Chapter 3: Scheming - The Sweetie Who Understands the Female Lead Best
Qiu Shuzhi dragged Qiu Qiushuang back home, recalling the scene of Jiang Si inviting her to enjoy herself at the brothel during the day. She was grateful that she didn't agree at the time, thus narrowly escaping disaster.
For the Qin family, with their immense power and the Empress Dowager's support, the killing of a male courtesan by the eldest daughter of the Qin family was a trivial matter.
But this trivial matter had become the talk of the town today, even mobilizing the Imperial Guards. It was evident that the situation was not simple; someone was deliberately trying to bring down Qin Shu.
If the Qin family wanted to clear Qin Shu's name, they would certainly find a scapegoat.
But the one who was with Qin Shu at the Zuixin Tower was the daughter of the King of Dian, also a powerful figure who absolutely couldn't be touched. Naturally, they couldn't frame Jiang Si.
However, if Qiu Shuzhi had gone with them at that time, it might have been her who was now imprisoned in Zhao Prison.
Qiu Shuzhi drank a belly full of cold tea, still feeling uneasy. The court factions' struggles were treacherous and unpredictable; one slight misstep could lead to irreversible consequences. She would have to be more careful and cautious in the future.
Yue Guanyi returned to the palace in a daze, riding in a carriage. The moon was waning, and the palace lanterns were lit.
"Your Highness, please rest early," Chang'an said after bandaging his wounds.
Yue Guanyi held Qiu Shuzhi's handkerchief, the menacing gloom in his eyes completely dissipating at this moment, gazing at it with infatuation.
Looking at the apricot blossom branch in the white porcelain vase on the table, it was wilting as its nutrients were exhausted. Apricot blossom petals covered the table, and the withered branches were falling.
Chang'an watched in shock as Yue Guanyi cradled the withered branch as if it were a priceless treasure, his reverent gaze mixed with the desire of a mortal, worshipping the deity in his heart.
Chang'an finally understood that anything related to Qiu Shuzhi, even if it was just a dead object, was an invaluable treasure in the Crown Prince's eyes, as precious as his own eyeballs.
In the future, when encountering Qiu Shuzhi, he must be cautious in his words and actions, and must never offend her.
The next day at the morning court, the case of the lady scholar killing a man became the focus of debate among the officials.
The faction led by the Qin family made various excuses for Qin Shu, disregarding the public outrage, and even hinted at wanting to release her without charges.
The minority faction was weak and didn't dare to confront the Qin family head-on, only repeatedly conceding, which further fueled the Qin family's arrogance.
"These incompetent cowards!" In the Imperial Study, Yue Shen slammed the table in anger.
When Qiu Shuzhi arrived at the Imperial Study to give a lecture to the Emperor, she encountered Minister Wang, the imperial lecturer, who was being supported by the attendant Yu Ye, covering her forehead as she came out, blood seeping through her fingers.
"Minister Wang, what happened to you?" Qiu Shuzhi asked with concern.
Minister Wang took her hand: "Her Majesty is in a rage. Please take care of yourself!"
In a rage? It didn't take much thought to know it was because of Qin Shu's matter.
She pushed open the door and entered. The young Emperor, dressed in court robes, had collapsed on the steps, with no one around her. The vast Imperial Study was terrifyingly quiet.
Qiu Shuzhi boldly supported her hand and said softly, "The ground is cold, Your Majesty. Please take care of your health."
"Qiu Shuzhi?" Yue Shen slowly raised her head. Having just vented her anger, her hairpin had slipped, and strands of hair fell around her cheeks.
"Let me help Your Majesty up," she said, lowering her head. Her smooth long hair slid from her shoulders, a faint fragrance lingering around her.
Yue Shen slowly stood up with her support, her gaze somewhat peculiar.
If Yu Ye, who had just left, saw this, he would certainly be shocked.
Yue Shen had severe mysophobia and detested physical contact with others. Even her long-serving personal attendants needed to thoroughly wash from head to toe and be perfumed for an hour before they could approach her.
Even with all this, Yue Shen was still very disgusted.
Unexpectedly, the newly arrived Qiu Shuzhi not only didn't provoke Yue Shen's aversion but could even touch her naturally, which was truly surprising.
Yue Shen sat back in her chair, stroking the wrist that Qiu Shuzhi had just touched, watching her now serving respectfully by her side. Her gentle and quiet eyebrows were like a calm lake, soothing the irritation in her heart.
The imperial lecture was for explaining the Four Books and Five Classics to the Emperor. Qiu Shuzhi opened the Book of Changes, preparing to perform her official duties.
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