Chapter Fifty-Two: Su Xin Was Beaten

Jun Yeli gazed at the pair of jade ruyi. Though exquisitely crafted and of the finest quality, the more he looked, the angrier he became. It was as if every pore upon the surface screamed of displeasure.

Su Xin, too, was bewildered, a tremor of apprehension rising in her heart. “What on earth has happened? Could I have bungled even the simple act of presenting a gift?” She did not think herself so foolish, yet somehow, when she presented a gift, the atmosphere was worlds apart from when others did the same.

As she fretted, Jun Yeli, holding the jade ruyi, clasped his hands behind his back and strode away without a backward glance, leaving the assembled crowd in stunned confusion.

Trembling, she called out, “Your Majesty, Her Ladyship chose these especially, one for you and one for your favored consort. They were not both meant for you!”

Upon hearing this, Jun Yeli did not even deign to turn his head, replying coldly, “Within these palace walls, is there anything that does not belong to me?”

The implication was clear: he would give if he wished, and withhold if he pleased.

Su Xin was left speechless. Watching the emperor’s departing figure, she could only sigh softly.

But before she had a chance to compose herself, a mocking voice swept over her. “How unexpected! Your mistress is truly generous, offering such lofty wishes, yet the emperor seems unmoved.”

“Exactly! What’s the use of such diligence? Does she think she’ll win the emperor’s favor with this? She’s simply chasing empty dreams!”

“Don’t be so harsh. Perhaps Lady Rong is merely up to her old tricks again—presenting jade ruyi not to wish for a hundred years of harmony, but to subtly remind the emperor of past affections!”

Some mocked openly, others with covert barbs—their voices a relentless tide.

Hearing these words, Su Xin felt her ears burning with discomfort. Unable to restrain herself, she cast them a haughty glance and, feigning arrogance, said, “If our lady wishes to win the emperor’s favor, she has no need of such lowly schemes, nor any need for hidden meanings or veiled hints. For the emperor’s heart is already with her—perhaps you should seek her advice yourselves!”

Her lofty tone, laced with pride and disdain, left the others speechless.

Enraged, one among them snarled, “You wretched girl! You’re nothing but the lapdog of a madwoman, yet you dare speak to us this way? You must have a death wish!”

“Yes! You’ve overstepped your place. If we don’t teach you a lesson today, you’ll be biting everyone in sight—perhaps even disrespecting the emperor himself!”

The women advanced with menace, clearly intent on making Su Xin pay.

“What do you intend?” Su Xin retreated two steps, her voice trembling. “I only spoke the truth—how is that insubordination?” She felt their hostility growing ever sharper, and fear began to take hold. She swallowed nervously, lost and unsure.

At that moment, Lady Jia gave the order, “You two, slap her face. Let her learn her place and understand the difference between master and servant!”

Su Xin’s face went pale.

She watched as two palace maids approached, her fear mounting. Gritting her teeth, she said, “Stay back! I serve Lady Rong. If anyone is to punish me, it’s her right—not yours. If she finds out, you’ll be the ones in trouble!”

But that was precisely the provocation they sought. “If you’re so bold, go tell her yourself! Now, do it!”

At the sharp command, one of the maids struck down hard.

Slap. Slap. Slap.

The blows fell in quick succession, echoing through the air. In moments, Su Xin’s cheeks were flushed crimson, a trace of blood seeping from the corner of her mouth.

Though the maids’ hands soon stung from the effort, Lady Jia showed no intention of stopping. Arms folded, she sneered, “Weren’t you so defiant just now? Go on, keep shouting! Or perhaps you’d rather kneel and beg for mercy?”

Hearing her arrogant words, Su Xin bit her lip. Though blood welled between her lips and teeth, she would not yield. “Dream on!”

“Vile girl! Still so stubborn? Keep at it—don’t stop until she submits!”

The angry command made all present uneasy. Though Su Xin’s skin broke under the blows, she uttered not a single cry, earning the grudging respect of those who watched.

Seeing this, Lady Jia’s pride was wounded. She gritted her teeth and snapped, “What a hard-headed wretch. Enough! All of you, stop.”

She thought the matter settled, but as the two maids withdrew, Lady Jia removed a jeweled hairpin from her own hair and pressed it into their hands. “Take this and keep going. Let’s see if she doesn’t fear pain now!”

The blossom was sharp-edged, and with the force of a slap, it would surely mar Su Xin’s face—an unmistakable threat of disfigurement.

“You, stay away!” Su Xin backed away again, terror in her eyes, yet still she would not beg.

Just as the maid raised her hand to strike, Lady Wen, her face stern, suddenly commanded, “Enough. This ends here. She has been punished amply for any offense—there’s no need for such ruthlessness.”

With Lady Wen’s intervention, the others dared not protest. Lady Jia, however, was indignant. “Do you not see, Lady Wen, that Lady Rong’s lackey is as worthless as her mistress? If we let her off today, she’ll soon be out of control!”

“I said that’s enough!” Lady Wen’s voice was sharp. “Must you escalate every matter until it cannot be undone? Today is Lady Yu’s first day in the palace—if blood is shed and Lady Rong seeks retribution, how will you answer for it?”

“I—!”

Lady Jia was left speechless, frustration written across her face. She shot the two maids a glare. “Didn’t you hear Lady Wen? Get back here!”

Then, turning coldly to Su Xin, she sneered, “You’d best hope we never meet alone, or you’ll find no peace from me!”

Su Xin paid no heed to these threats. Instead, she glanced at Lady Wen. Seeing her gentle expression, Su Xin felt a sudden surge of gratitude.

Unexpectedly, Lady Wen took a small bottle of medicine from her sleeve and placed it before Su Xin. “This was prescribed by the imperial physician when I last took a fall. I happened to bring it with me today—apply it to your wounds, and they’ll heal more swiftly.”