Chapter Forty-Two: New Disturbances Within the Palace Walls, and the Impending Predicament Once Again

Gold, silver, and jewels piled up like a small mountain—the kind that dazzles your eyes!
The Emperor was immensely pleased and directly appointed me as the Imperial Treasury and Wealth Supervisor. Just listen to that title!
How majestic!
I, Lu Wan'er, once a mere insignificant palace maid, am now a person of standing and influence!
He Yusheng and I—he with his hands cramping from counting money, and I with my mouth unable to close from all the rewards—were living a life of absolute luxury and comfort!
However, this good life did not last long before whispers began to circulate in the palace.
First, a few junior maids muttered behind my back, claiming I had climbed the social ladder by attaching myself to the powerful and had simply struck dumb luck.
Later, even the eunuchs and maids who usually bowed and scraped before me began to point fingers.
My ears are sharp, and I overheard them spreading rumors that He Yusheng and I were engaged in illicit dealings and had won the Emperor's favor by presenting some stolen treasure.
"Preposterous!" I couldn't help it, wanting to rush out and argue with them.
He Yusheng held me back. The boy was still too naive. "Sister, don't act on impulse. Rumors cease with the wise."
Wise? Right now, I just wanted to tear that gang of gossiping gossips to shreds!
These rumors spread like wild grass, growing back with every spring breeze, becoming more and more absurd by the day.
Some said I used sorcery to bewitch the Emperor, while others claimed I had stolen palace treasures and presented them to the Emperor to claim credit.
Goodness gracious, I was more wronged than Dou E!
"Sister, I've found out that the ones spreading the rumors are a few disgruntled minor officials who are jealous that you and I have won the Emperor's favor." He Yusheng said with a serious expression, handing me a slip of paper covered in names.

I took the paper, looked at the familiar names written upon it, and let out a cold sneer.
Hah, so it was them!
Usually acting so honest and meek, I never expected them to pull such petty tricks behind my back.
I crumpled the paper in my hand. "Yusheng, this time, I don't intend to confront them head-on."
He Yusheng was puzzled. "Sister, what are you planning..."
I smiled mysteriously. "Since they want to play, I'll play big with them!"
I picked up a brush and wrote a few characters on a piece of paper...
Who am I, Lu Wan'er?
I am the indestructible cockroach!
Want to bring me down with such cheap tactics?
In your dreams!
I deliberately went before the Emperor, sighing heavily and losing my appetite, looking just like a frost-bitten eggplant.
Those gossiping little maids, seeing that I had "fallen for the trap," looked as smug as triumphant roosters, practically floating as they walked.
Hmph, little things, I'll let you prance around for a few more days!
He Yusheng, as expected of the boy under my protection, had a high efficiency when it came to getting things done.
Within a few days, he returned with a stack of "evidence."
There were private correspondences, account books detailing bribery of officials—everything you could possibly imagine.
When I took a look, heavens, these people had some serious nerve!
Not only did they speak ill of me behind my back, but they also embezzled treasury silver and took bribes. Their crimes were simply unforgivable!
Armed with this evidence, I marched straight into the Imperial Study.
When the Emperor saw the proof, his imperial wrath was ignited, and he immediately ordered a thorough investigation of the matter.
Those minor officials usually wore the masks of respectable men, but behind closed doors, they engaged in all sorts of thievery and scoundrel behavior.
Well, now they had tried to steal a chicken only to lose the rice used as bait; they were completely ruined!
Watching them get demoted one by one or sent off into exile, I felt a wave of pure satisfaction in my heart!
What is this called?
This is what you call villains getting their just desserts from the heavens!
That evening, He Yusheng and I strolled through the Imperial Garden.
Under the moonlight, the boy took my hand and said with a resolute gaze, "Sister, no matter what happens in the future, we will face it together."
I leaned against his shoulder, feeling a warm glow in my heart.
Yet I knew the struggles within the palace were far from over.
With these minor minions dealt with, a much bigger boss was still waiting in the shadows.
Beneath this calm surface, an even greater conspiracy was lurking...
The next day, I received an anonymous letter containing only four words:
"Beware of Noble Consort Xiao."