C16 A Big Play 4

"It's actually better that the crown prince is coming. I'm not concerned about that little troublemaker stirring things up; I'm more concerned if she doesn't!" Concubine Wan remarked with a knowing smile, as if she harbored a secret.

The mama was confused. "What do you mean by that, Madame?"

Concubine Wan lifted the lid off her teacup, swirling the delicate tea leaves on the surface. "That little harlot may have sullied her own name, but it has also cast a shadow on Xi's reputation. Xi has taken steps to rectify this, but only a few have seen her efforts. Rumors spread differently than what is witnessed firsthand."

"No matter how virtuous Xi is, it's hard to cleanse a tarnished reputation. The arrival of the crown prince is an excellent chance for her to clear her name."

"Xi is akin to a celestial maiden from the Ninth Heaven, while Mu Yunhua is merely a pebble in a dung heap. Despite sharing the same father and household, they are clearly not of the same caliber. Even if that wretch has been indiscreet before her betrothal, it's her scandal alone. Xi, with her impeccable character and talent from the Da Xi Kingdom, is beyond comparison."

"As long as the crown prince sees this truth, do you think any shadow will remain on Xi?"

Upon hearing Concubine Wan's explanation, the mama's eyes lit up. "Indeed, it's better to channel than to obstruct! I was so preoccupied with plugging the hole that it never occurred to me to simply open it up. By doing so, the hole would be smoothed over, becoming a pathway!"

"Madame, you always have the answer!"

Concubine Wan smiled coyly. "The Li Family owns the largest collection of books. I've been reading since I was young, so naturally, you can't compare, mama."

"Oh, my lady, how could you compare me to you? It's like comparing a phoenix to a common chicken! There's no comparison!"

"Be careful with your words, momo. The phoenix is associated with the palace, and that is not my fate."

"Madame, what are you saying? In my opinion, even the phoenix pales in comparison to..."

As the mama was effusively praising Concubine Wan, a sudden shout pierced the air from outside.

"Disaster, disaster, Madam! There's been a death in the house!"

"What's with all this racket?" The mama scolded as she cracked the door open, making it clear she had no intention of letting anyone in.

Surely the Madam's quarters aren't open to just anyone.

Panting, the servant straightened up and quickly said, "Momo, it's dreadful, there's been a death in the mansion!"

"Who has died? Speak clearly."

"The gatekeeper, Protector B, is dead!"

The mama's brow creased in concern. Wasn't that despicable Mu Yunhua supposed to be at the gate? How then did one of the gatekeepers die?

"I need the full story. How did he die? Who is responsible? Give me the details!"

"Well..." The servant hesitated, "I... I don't know how he died."

"Then why on earth are you yelling about a dead man?" The mama retorted, smacking the servant on the head.

The servant, looking utterly dejected, accepted the slap. "It was the guards who cried 'dead man.' When people went to check, they found Protector B lying at the gate, soaked in blood. That's all I heard, and then..."

And then, without wasting a moment before others could react, he rushed here to report to the Madam, hoping to be rewarded for his swift action.