CHAPTER 11 Let Bygones Be Bygones

Sunny day, chill weather. Calm wind and refreshing air. The dethroned price was here, playing chess with his sister. Those who don't know Zhang Ruyi's gender might sees her as a handsome guy with an unfriendly face and a sharp looking eyes. Different from Yuan, Yuan has a tender smile and calm eyes.

"Your Majesty are good in this game. I think I'll lose again." Said Yuan.

"Hahaha. Don't be so humble. Aren't you good too? You overlooked it just now. That's why you lose."

Yuan chuckled. He was so blessed to have a sibling like her. She was kind and thoughtful. Although at first, he felt there was no more hope to continue living. It's all because of the past. He thought all rulers are heartless, but then he was wrong. Zhang Ruyi had opened his eyes. Making him to believe that there is still a kindhearted ruler in this world.

"Yuan, I plan to give your title back and you'll be the Prince of Northern Guangzhou."

Yuan coughed, quickly poured the tea into his cup and drank. The Emperor must be kidding. How can a son of a traitor like him get such a title? He must be dreaming. Yuan slapped his face.

"Ouch! Okay, I'm not dreaming." He murmured.

"Of course, you are not. Are you trying to ruin your handsome face? Tch..." Teased Zhang Ruyi.

A long time ago, Yuan does have a desire want to return to the palace but after living as a commoner for a few years he found out to live as an ordinary citizen was more comfortable than being on the top.

"Your Majesty, I appreciate it so much but I'm happy with my current life. I feel free and I can do what I want and,... can be who I am. As long as I'm happy with my life, it is enough for me."

Zhang Ruyi was stunned for a while. Yuan was right. As long as you were happy with your life, you don't need fame or wealth. What is the meaning of living if you are not happy?

"Is this your final decision? Won't you regret it?" She asked for confirmation.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I don't like to be tied to politics. I want to be myself, and do what I want. I don't want to miss any cherished moments in my lifetime. Furthermore, I'm the son of a traitor. Your Majesty is a wise person. I believe Your Majesty understand what I'm trying to say."

Zhang Ruyi looked into Yuan's eyes.

"Y-you...still thinking about it? It was not your fault. Let's just forget what happened in the past. I don't have any grudge."

"I know but,...I hope Your Majesty could understand what I mean. I'm happy with my current life." Yuan spoke it sincerely.

*** 9 Years Ago... ***

"Your Highness! Your Highness!"

Maid Murong was in a panic. Royal Consort Hui gets up from her sit and comes to get her maid.

"What's wrong?"

"Your Highness! The Emperor...the Emperor...!" Maid Murong was panting. She cannot speak clearly.

"Here, drink this water and take a deep breath first!"

Maid Murong nodded and quickly drink the water. After a while, her breathing back to a normal state.

"Now, tell me what happened."

"Your Highness! The Emperor wanted to do a spot check in Lotus Palace Harem this week! His Majesty didn't set the day. Your Highness! We have to be prepared!"

Royal Consort Hui widened her eyes.

"What?! Why did His Majesty want to do a spot check in Lotus Palace Harem?!"

"It's because of the Crown Princess! Crown Princess wants the case to be re-investigated!"

Royal Consort Hui smashed the porcelain cup that she was holding on the floor angrily. Maid Murong quickly knelt. She was too afraid.

"Huh! That stupid Crown Princess still doesn't want to give up? What a stubborn! Quick! We need to hide the Jinan insect's poison."

Maid Murong stood.

"But, Your Highness. Why don't we just throw it away? Isn't it is the best way to erase the evidence?"

Consort Hui glared at her maid.

"Are you stupid?! His Majesty wants to do a spot check this week. This palace will be guarded all the time! The only way is to hide them. After all, this poison is hard to get!"

*** Spot Check Day ***

"His Majesty is here! Please send your greetings to the Emperor!" The Minister of the Guard, Minister Xin, gave a command to the whole Lotus Palace Harem. Emperor Zhang Luo entered the palace with a serious face. Zhang Ruyi followed her father behind.

"Greetings to Your Majesty!" (All)

"Start searching now!" The Emperor commanded the guards to search the whole palace. Zhang Ruyi standstill, next to her father. She was just 7 at the time.

"Your Majesty! We've done checking all the areas in this palace but got nothing." Minister Xia reported.

Zhang Luo looks at his daughter, Zhang Ruyi. Zhang Ruyi bowed.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty. May I ask Your Majesty to continue checking?"

Zhang Ruyi was not satisfied. She suggested keeping searching for the evidence. Emperor Zhang Luo raised his hand as a signal to her to raise her head.

"Crown Princess Zhang Ruyi. The guards already searched the whole Lotus Palace but they didn't find anything. Do you have any idea about this?"

Zhang Ruyi looked at her father.

"Your Majesty, I'm just an ordinary person but we can still try it. All the guards had indeed done their best to find the evidence but I think we've missed one place."

The Emperor getting eager to know what the Crown Princess trying to tell.

"Well, if you said so then tell us. I'm eager to know."

Zhang Ruyi looked around. Since it was a spot check, all concubines and consorts were gathered there. Zhang. Ruyi when to the concubine's group. All eyes were watching her.

"Your Majesty, may I request to pick one of the concubines to help us?" Zhang Ruyi asking for permission. The Emperor agreed.

"As you wish."

Zhang Ruyi chose one of the concubines and asked her to move forward.

"Your Majesty, I will choose her."

The concubine bowed to the Emperor.

"Hmm. What will you do now?" The Emperor questioned the Crown Princess.

"I want her to bring her maid here."

Everyone was confused. They started whispering to each other. Empress Hui was also confused. What exactly does the Crown Princess want to do? What exactly is on her mind? Does she just want to escape from being punished after failing to get evidence?

"Quiet! Your Emperor is here! Where is your manner?!"

Everyone stopped talking and kowtows the Emperor.

"Forgive us, Your Majesty! Don't be angry." (All)

"All stand-up and I want this concubine to bring her maid here. Quick!"

Everyone listened to the Emperor and the concubine's maid comes forward.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!"

The Emperor take a glanced at the maid and turned around.

"I pass the command to the Crown Princess!"

Zhang Ruyi approached the maid.

"May I know what's your name?" She asked.

"I'm Lin, Your Highness."

Zhang Ruyi turned around and looks at the Emperor.

"Your Highness, if Your Highness doesn't mind, can we asked all the Consorts to come here?"

The Emperor was clueless but since Zhang Ruyi asked for it, he just agreed to it. Royal Consort Hui started to panic.

"What she wants to do?!" She murmured to herself.

"All the Consorts, please come to the front!" The Emperor's command.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" (Consorts)

Zhang Ruyi took the maid's hand and lead her to the Consorts.

"Your Majesty, since we can't find any evidence just now I need permission from Your Majesty to do body checking for the Consorts."

Consort Hui was shocked. Her legs suddenly felt weak and her heartbeats getting fast. The other Consorts also started to show their unpleasant face. The Emperor was stunned for a while.

"Hmm. I will allow it. Do as you wish."

Zhang Ruyi gave a command to maid Lin.

"Maid Lin, please check the Consorts!"

Maid Lin checked all the Consorts as commanded by the Crown Princess. A few minutes later, she came to give a report.

"Your Majesty, Your Highness. I've done checking the Consorts but I've found nothing."

Zhang Ruyi was still in a calm state.

"Crown Princess, the maid found nothing. Are you still want to continue?" He asked.

Zhang Ruyi nodded.

"Yes, Your Majesty. But this time allowed me to do it by myself."

Once again, she gave them a big shot.

"Well, you may have a try."

Zhang Ruyi walked slowly and looked at each of the head accessories.

"Your Majesty, please forgive me because I need all the Consorts to take off their hairpins."

This gives a big shot to Consort Hui. Her forehead started to sweat. Her body started to shiver.

"This is impossible!" Consort Hui murmured to herself.

"Go ahead. You can ask them to take off their hairpins now."

Zhang Ruyi took a deep breath before she commanded them to take off their hairpins.

"As the Emperor allows me to take off the hairpins of all Consorts, I, Zhang Ruyi the Crown Princess want all the Consorts to take off their hairpins!"

All the Consorts take off their hairpins and hold them tightly. Consort Hui takes off her hairpin slowly. Zhang Ruyi gazed at all the hairpins.

"This will be my last request and if we failed to find the evidence, I'm ready to get any punishment from the Emperor!"

The Emperor widened his eyes and looked straight at the Crown Princess's eyes.

"Ruyi, are you sure?" He asked.

Zhang Ruyi nodded.

"Yes, and this time I need all the Consorts to untie their hair."

Just like a shadow that appears when under the sunlight and only disappears if you are in the dark. You can hide anything you want but it is not forever. Consort Hui was very afraid. Her face turns pale. She bites her lips and her hands were shivering. She needs to find a way to escape!

"Oh...my head is dizzy. Your Majesty, I'm pregnant with your child now. I'm sorry but this spot check makes me exhausted. I think I need a rest now."

Zhang Ruyi quickly looked at Consort Hui.

"Sure, Your Highness. It looks like Your Highness will be the first person to untie the hair."

Consort Hui gulped. No! She cannot untie her hair and she won't do it!

"A-haha. Sure but I'm too dizzy now. Maybe after I get some rest?" She still want to flee.

Noticing that Consort Hui wanted to flee, the Emperor quickly gave the order to untie her hair.

"Untie her hair before she goes to rest! No one can leave before untying their hair! Lin, go!"

Consort Hui sat down and her eyes turned red. Tears started to fall from her eyelids.

"Your Majesty! I...found a small bottle wrapped in Consort Hui's hair!"

Lin lifted the bottle and everyone was stunned! The Emperor walked slowly towards Consort Hui. Consort Hui was very afraid. Her hand shivered and her legs were too weak as she cannot stands.

"Consort Hui, any explanation for this?! Do you know what have you done?!"

Consort Hui cried out loud and held the Emperor's legs.

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty! I was wrong! Please...I'm with your child now. Please shows me some mercy!"

Emperor Zhang Luo released Consort Hui's grip.

"Nonsense! You murdered someone and now you begged for mercy?! Dream about it!"

He left Consort Hui with an angry face.

The Minister of the Guard, Minister Xia was surprised by the Crown Princess's intelligence. She was just 7 but she managed to solve the murder case of the Crown Prince! As for the Emperor, he doesn't have time to praise Zhang Ruyi's intelligence since the murderer was his Royal Consort. The first thing that comes to his mind is to punish the criminal.

"Guards arrest her!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

The Royal Consort was taken by the guards to put into prison. The others only can watch from afar but cannot do anything.

"I'll send my edict tomorrow on how we will punish the Royal Consort. Everyone can dismiss now and please hand me the poison after!" Ordered the Emperor.

"Understand, Your Majesty!" (All)

The next day, Zhang Ruyi was summoned by the Emperor to the court. All the ministers were there for the important meeting. The Imperial Doctor, Doctor Suo was also there. As a father, Minister Gao was too embarrassed. He doesn't know where to hide his face. He knew that it was the end of his career. The whole family of Gao will be executed by the Emperor.

"Crown Princess, please show yourself."

Zhang Ruyi came to the middle of the court.

"First of all, I want to thank you for your help to solve the Crown Prince's death. You are brilliant. At such a young age, you can handle this conflict."

"Thank you for the compliment, Your Majesty. I'm just an ordinary person who thirsts for justice."

The Emperor smiled.

"Doctor Suo once said, the poison is from Jinan and it's a rare poison that can kill a person in just one snap. It comes from rare species of poisonous snakes and spiders. Although it is a rare poison, the antidote for the poison is easy to make."

Doctor Suo showed himself in the middle of the court.

"Your Majesty is correct! It is a poison that can kill people on the spot but we can take medicine for anti-poison to detox it if it entered our bodies. That means we can be immune to this poison."

The Emperor nodded his head as he understands what has been said by the Imperial Doctor.

"Now for the Crown Princess. You did a good job. I would like to know how you come up with the idea."

"If Your Majesty is interested want to know, I can tell it. Doctor Suo once told us the poison that was used is difficult to get and it's expensive. Thus, I believe the person still keeps it with him or her. The second reason, it's connected to the death of the late Empress, Empress Yu. They were killed using the same poison so this probably has to be involved with the selection of the throne. If it is true, the only mastermind is among the Consorts."

All the people in the court were amazed by Zhang Ruyi's explanation. She was just 7 but her thinking skills are just like an adult's. There was a moment of silence before the Emperor break it.

"I was surprised. Well, I think everyone can guess the first 2 reasons. What amazed me the most is how you got the idea of body checking. More specifically, you chose to untie their hair."

Doctor Suo chuckled and look at Zhang Ruyi.

"It was Doctor Suo who helped me a lot. Without him, I can't do it."

Doctor Suo patted Zhang Ruyi's head.

"Oh? So now we have two people that investigated these cases?" The Emperor asked.

"Your Majesty, I didn't do anything. I only told the Crown Princess the details of the poison and its privileges. As for the spot-check system,..."

Doctor Suo cannot finish his words because Zhang Ruyi cut them.

"I get the idea on my own but it referring to Doctor Suo's question."

Zhang Ruyi recalled her memory; "If you believe the mastermind is among the Consorts, you need to imagine you are one of them. Since you are female, I think you know what will female do to hide something. Do you have any idea?"

"Your Majesty, Crown Princess is female so I believe she understands females more than we do. I think that is how she got the idea. I can say, it's a female instinct. Right, little princess?"

Zhang Ruyi nodded. "Female, huh? So disgusting but I was born as this disgusting creature." She murmured to herself.

"What kind of questions does he asked to you?" Asked the Emperor.

"Doctor Luo asked me, if I was one of them...what will I do to hide the evidence?" Zhang Ruyi answered.

"I see...Well, now that we are done with the investigation stuff I want to talk about punishment for Consort Hui."

Minister Gao gulped. Today will be his last day to step into the palace and go to the court as well.

"Send my decree, since the Royal Consort did a big criminal by murdering the Empress and the future Crown Prince, she will be executed after she gives birth to her child. The child sooner will get the same punishment after he reaches 13!"

Minister Gao sighed. Before the Emperor end the meeting, he call out Minister Gao.

"As for the Gao family, from today on we will no longer have any relationship either in marriage or politics. All the Gao family members will be expelled from the palace and exiled from Suzhou!"

So that was how Yuan's mom has been punished after murdering the royal family members. Yuan is now 13 years old and he is supposed to be following his mother's fate but Zhang Ruyi saved him. He still remembers when the Imperial Guard dragged him to the palace for his punishment day but Zhang Ruyi stood for him. "Quiet! His mother indeed does a big crime but he is not. Although the late Emperor wanted him to follow his mother's fate, in my eyes this kid is innocent. He has a right to continue living. Release him and let him stay in Guangzhou. I'll send an eunuch and a maid for him. After all, he is still one of the royal family members."

"Bixia, but this is the late Emperor order!" (All Ministers)

"I'm the current Emperor. You can dig the late Emperor's tomb to ask him to repeat his command!"