sbdcsierra Chapter 1626 Shen Zhinian is not afraid (Bonus chapter for 251 million reward points)
Chapter 1626 Shen Zhinian is not afraid (Bonus chapter for 251 million reward points)
Consort Kang suddenly remembered the Buddhist scriptures she had taken from Chu Shuxian's former residence, which were handwritten by Master Xingchen, and hurriedly said, "I still have those scriptures..."
"Your Majesty, rest assured, the scriptures are hidden in secrecy, and no one knows about them except for this servant and you."
Caiju asked, "But things are tense right now, should we...?"
She made a destruction gesture.
Consort Kang hesitated.
That's Master Xingchen's handwriting...
It was the only remaining thought and comfort in her heart.
Once it's burned, nothing is left...
Consort Kang shook her head and said, "Wait a little longer."
"Things might not be so bad..."
Caiju sighed inwardly, knowing she couldn't persuade him, and could only say, "Then this servant will check it carefully again to make sure there are no mistakes."
Consort Kang nodded.
That night, the lights in the sleeping quarters of Chuxiu Palace stayed on very late.
Consort Kang tossed and turned, unable to sleep; every time she closed her eyes, terrifying scenes flashed before her eyes—
Master Huichen pointed out her name on the rack with a hoarse voice.
The emperor's furious face.
She was dragged out of Chuxiu Palace and thrown into the Cold Palace...
……
Yongshou Palace.
Shen Zhinian was listening to Han Dan talking about the latest news from the palace.
"...Your Majesty, it's all over the place. They say that Master Huichen of the Fatu Temple looks all righteous, but he's secretly making so much money that his hands are sore from collecting bribes."
"Now that they've been caught red-handed and the evidence is in the works, the temple and the surrounding area are in an uproar!"
Shen Zhinian narrowed her eyes slightly.
Upon hearing this, Fuqu looked up and interjected with some concern, "Master Huichen has been arrested..."
"Your Majesty, what about Princess Wenshu back then..."
Previously, in order to help Princess Wenshu and Bai Mufeng achieve their wish, Shen Zhinian did indeed secretly exert her influence, instructing Master Huichen to say some words about a preordained marriage and a perfect match at the right time.
Although it was meant to help others achieve their goals, it still involved some underhanded tactics and money.
Now that Master Huichen has run into trouble, will Yongshou Palace be implicated?
Han Dan also looked at Shen Zhinian.
Shen Zhinian's lips curved slightly, revealing a hint of amusement: "Look how scared you all are."
"Is this something to panic about?"
"First of all, the people who handled the matter were all passed through layers of intermediaries. The person who finally came forward to contact Huichen was just an ordinary steward. The money given was also a clean offering of incense, so no one could trace it back to Yongshou Palace."
Even if we take a step back and this matter is brought up again, so what?
"I merely saw that Wen Shu and Bai Hanlin were mutually attracted, so I went with the flow and asked the high monk to say auspicious words to add good luck. I did not force them, nor did I frame them. What I facilitated was a happy marriage between two people who were in love."
"Bai Tanhua has an excellent reputation in the Hanlin Academy, and Wenshu is living a happy married life. What fault is there in that?"
"If Your Majesty asks, I will answer directly."
Shen Zhinian's tone was relaxed, which put Handan and Fuqu at ease.
Han Dan patted her chest and laughed, "I misunderstood."
"Your Majesty has always acted with integrity and uprightness. Even if she uses some methods, they are always for the good of people, unlike those sordid schemes!"
Fuqu smiled and casually said, "However... with Master Huichen arrested, some people are probably not sleeping soundly."
Han Dan blinked, then immediately understood: "You mean the one from Chuxiu Palace?"
Fuqu didn't reply, but looked up at Shen Zhinian.
Shen Zhinian's expression remained unchanged, as if she hadn't heard.
Shen Zhinian had already discovered that Consort Kang had used Master Huichen to rescue Bahargul from the Cold Palace.
Now that Master Huichen has fallen from grace, Consort Kang must be having sleepless nights.
But... what does this have to do with Shen Zhinian?
After the investiture ceremony, she and Consort Kang had become like strangers.
The shallow affection of the past has long been worn away.
Whether Consort Kang's future is a blessing or a curse, she will have to bear it herself.
Shen Zhinian's thoughts quickly shifted from Consort Kang to another point.
Nangong Xuanyu's investigation of Fatu Temple this time was not simply about rectifying the atmosphere of Buddhism.
The emperor didn't investigate earlier or later, but only after Consort Feng and Lady Chu revealed their pregnancy.
This is clearly a case of ulterior motives.
Lady Chu suffered a miscarriage and was deposed, then suddenly died. Consort Feng, after becoming pregnant, lived a secluded life, yet rumors of an uneasy pregnancy persisted… Who would believe there wasn't something fishy going on?
The emperors usually investigated Fatu Temple only after they had sensed something.
However... in some vague fragments of memory from my previous life, there were also scandals in the palace related to Fatu Temple.
But that eminent monk is none other than the now extremely famous Master Xingchen.
How did he end up falling from grace first in this life, becoming Master Huichen of the Vinaya Academy?
Is it a mistake in my memories of my past life?
Or... is the matter inherently complicated, and Master Huichen is merely a smokescreen, a scapegoat?
Master Xingchen...
Shen Zhinian recalled the few times they had met.
That person was indeed born with a handsome appearance, with refined features that seemed otherworldly, an ethereal and otherworldly temperament, and a gentle voice when preaching that could bring peace to people's minds.
Many noblewomen in the capital were followers of Master Xingchen and held him in high esteem.
Thinking of this, Shen Zhinian gently shook her head.
Heart is under the kyte.
A Buddhist sanctuary may not necessarily be truly pure.
Those who seem most otherworldly may be the most deeply hidden.
Seeing Shen Zhinian lost in thought, Han Dan asked softly, "Your Highness, what are you thinking about?"
Shen Zhinian said, "It's nothing."
"I was just thinking that His Majesty's actions are likely to cause trouble in the palace again."
Han Dan asked, "Does Your Majesty mean..."
Shen Zhinian said, "Give the order to the people below to be more cautious these days and to avoid discussing outside matters, especially those related to Fatu Temple."
Han Dan and Fu Qu immediately replied, "Yes."
Shen Zhinian then asked, "Where's Xiaomingzi?"
Fuqu said, "I'm waiting outside."
"Let him in."
"Yes."
Xiao Mingzi quickly entered, bowing and then lowering his head to receive orders.
Shen Zhinian asked, "...How much have you found out about Fatu Temple?"
Xiao Mingzi hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty, this servant heard it, and it's pretty much what Sister Handan said. Master Huichen was arrested for greed, caught red-handed, and is currently being interrogated."
"There's a lot of talk outside, and the reputation of Shuotu Temple has been greatly damaged. Also... I heard that Manager Tao, who arrested people, is still interrogating people in the temple these past two days, and it seems that it's not just about Master Huichen taking money."
Shen Zhinian's eyes flickered slightly: "Oh? What else do you want to ask?"
"Also... ask if there are any monks who have had private dealings with any master in the palace, or who have helped pass on any messages or items."
Xiao Mingzi explained in detail: "However, these are all things that servants have heard bits and pieces from the eunuchs who go out to make purchases, so they can't be taken as fact."
Shen Zhinian nodded.
Sure enough, investigating corruption was the obvious lead; what the emperor really wanted to uncover was something else entirely.
"Our people didn't get too close, did they?"
"Your Majesty, rest assured, absolutely not!"
Xiao Mingzi assured, "This servant has already given instructions that our men will only listen to the rumors from a distance and will not interfere."