novelSusiti Chapter 13 Jealousy and rivalry, all because of a personal eunuch!
Chapter 13 Jealousy and rivalry, all because of a personal eunuch!
Dongshi Tea House.
Lin Chuan learned that the Imperial Household Department was investigating whether he had actually been castrated.
This news terrified him, but fortunately he was prepared.
After the empress promised to redeem him, she spent a lot of money to smooth things over and successfully carried out the scheme of replacing the dragon with the phoenix.
Otherwise, the protagonist would be completely finished by now!
Suddenly, a carriage appeared outside the tea shop, and a maidservant stepped out.
"Young Master Lin, my lady requests your presence."
The maidservant gave a slight bow and glanced at Lin Chuan.
Lin Chuan frowned, immediately noticing the maid's unusual nature; she must be someone from the palace.
He stood up from his chair and asked in a low voice, "Who is your wife?"
Lin Chuan currently has poor interpersonal relationships in the palace, and all the officials are against him.
Aside from Empress Zhangsun being somewhat friendly, Lin Chuan couldn't think of anyone else who could invite him.
Could it be...?
Lin Chuan's body trembled instantly as he suddenly remembered someone.
He immediately decided to close the tea shop and followed the maid into the carriage.
In the suburbs, there is a dense forest.
A waterfall cascades down in the distance, and a pavilion stands amidst the peach trees.
"That's her!"
Lin Chuan entered the pavilion and immediately recognized the figure as Consort Yang in shock.
Lin Chuan was filled with thoughts, trying to figure out why Consort Yang had sought him out.
She must be well aware of her position in Empress Zhangsun's heart. She was severely reprimanded during their last meeting, so how dare she do this now?
Although Consort Yang was also Li Er's woman, she appeared extremely humble and vulnerable in every way.
Aren't you worried about being severely treated by Empress Zhangsun and the entire court?
"I thought you were going to refuse!"
Consort Yang wore a light blue gauze dress. Despite her light makeup, she was still incredibly charming and exuded a heroic spirit.
She was staring directly at Lin Chuan, her words clearly laced with a joke.
"I wouldn't dare."
Upon hearing this, Lin Chuan immediately bowed and said.
Even if you are of lowly status, you are still one of the emperor's concubines.
Apart from being a eunuch, I'm just a minor official; how could I dare to refuse?
Besides, Consort Yang was stunningly beautiful; how could Lin Chuan possibly give up this opportunity?
This moment made Consort Yang give Lin Chuan a deep look.
The officials in the court were all dissatisfied with Lin Chuan, believing that a eunuch had violated the rules and etiquette of the court, which was unacceptable.
But she knew that Lin Chuan was no ordinary person!
He was tactful and said different things to different people, no wonder that palace maid fell for him.
"Did Your Majesty need something from me?"
Lin Chuan was also observing Consort Yang. Last time in the palace, the light was dim, and he couldn't see her clearly.
The sun is shining brightly now, and the scenery is breathtaking.
"Would you be willing to be my personal eunuch?"
Consort Yang knew that Lin Chuan was a smart man, so she got straight to the point and stated her purpose directly.
"Whoosh—"
These words stunned Lin Chuan on the spot!
He was not surprised by Consort Yang's favor, but rather puzzled by her intentions.
After all, it was common knowledge that he was deeply favored by Empress Zhangsun.
Now Consort Yang actually wants to win him over, which is clearly a move to go against Empress Zhangsun.
"That's right. Because I am the eldest princess of the previous dynasty, even though I am a concubine of His Majesty, I am still hated by everyone."
"That Guanyinbi who calls herself a wise and enlightened empress has been suppressing me."
"I've been swallowing my anger for years, but even the most docile person has their breaking point."
Consort Yang spoke frankly, directly expressing her inner thoughts: she planned to use Lin Chuan to deal with Guanyinbi.
These words left Lin Chuan speechless for a moment.
He couldn't help but smile bitterly, realizing he had once again been drawn into the power struggles within the harem.
If Yang Guifei's request is accepted, Guanyinbi will punish them.
However, Consort Yang's offer was indeed tempting!
He became her personal eunuch, which was quite different from Guanyinbi's situation.
Because it was his own choice, and it was based on self-interest.
This means that Lin Chuan can negotiate for more benefits.
"It is not impossible to grant Her Majesty's request."
Lin Chuan paused briefly, then looked at Consort Yang and smiled.
Initially, he thought Consort Yang was too weak, remaining silent in the face of everyone's attacks.
But now he realizes he was wrong.
She was simply waiting for her chance, and once the time was right, she would launch a fatal counterattack.
"Speak."
Consort Yang responded immediately, understanding that Lin Chuan would face enormous risks by doing so.
If Guanyinbi knew about this, he would surely be punished, so it was imperative to compensate him.
"I am just a eunuch, and I only know a little about medicine."
"I have no other talents besides these."
Lin Chuan immediately replied sincerely, after all, he used to study medicine in his spare time in his previous life.
Consort Yang frowned upon hearing this. She had long heard that Lin Chuan's medical skills were extraordinary, even surpassing those of the imperial physicians, and now it seemed that this was indeed the case.
"I can grant your request."
A moment later, Consort Yang nodded in agreement; she also wanted to enjoy it.
Upon seeing this, Lin Chuan immediately smiled.
He was certain that Consort Yang would not refuse, so he breathed a sigh of relief.
After all, her purpose in doing this was to disgust Guanyin's maid, so it had to be made clear beforehand.
Otherwise, if we let him plot against others, he'll be courting death.
Lin Chuan felt a surge of excitement.
As long as you please Consort Yang, you can gain more benefits.
"Come to the palace tomorrow."
Consort Yang looked at Lin Chuan one last time and said that she used to bathe and change clothes in Penglai Palace.
After all, they were ostracized by everyone and had no other choice.
Even though the eunuchs paid attention to her on the surface, they were actually just going through the motions, so she gave up on the idea of going to Yuhua Palace and Huaqing Pool.
But now, Consort Yang has decided to take action.
Tomorrow she will bathe and change clothes at Yuhua Palace, and she will do it in a grand manner so that Guanyinbi will also hear about it.
……
After returning from the suburbs, Lin Chuan had been thinking about how to deal with Guanyinbi.
Starting tomorrow, the harem will be in turmoil, and Guanyinbi will surely be furious.
Even if they don't get angry at themselves, they will definitely feel resentment.
It seems that some strategies will be needed to safely navigate between Guanyinbi and Consort Yang.
Consort Yang felt no remorse, because she was merely using him.
The next day, just as Lin Chuan had predicted, the harem descended into chaos.
Everyone was shocked that Consort Yang, who had always been hiding in Penglai Palace, had openly chosen Yuhua Palace this time, and in a very high-profile manner.
At the Lizheng Hall, Guanyinbi merely sneered.
Although she didn't like Consort Yang, Consort Yang was ultimately the Emperor's woman.
Choosing the Jade Flower Palace was her right, and Guanyinbi had no reason to obstruct it.
But then she became extremely angry.
The palace maid Qingzi rushed in to report that Lin Chuan had become Consort Yang's personal eunuch and had already gone to Yuhua Palace.
Empress Zhangsun's face was ashen, and her eyes even flashed with anger.
"Consort Yang, do you really think I'm easy to bully?"
Guanyinbi gritted her teeth, her face dark and gloomy.
She immediately saw through Consort Yang's intention: Consort Yang wanted Lin Chuan to become her personal eunuch.
It was because she knew that Lin Chuan was of great importance to Empress Zhangsun.
This behavior is absolutely disgusting!
Despite this, Empress Zhangsun still believed that Lin Chuan would not betray her, and that he was probably forced by Consort Yang.
"Shameless!"
Empress Zhangsun gave an angry rebuke, and then, accompanied by Qingzi and others, headed directly towards Yuhua Palace.
How dare they steal her personal eunuch? They're courting death.
At this time, the morning court session was being held in the Taiji Hall.
All the civil and military officials were angry and shocked, because the power struggle in the harem had become a hot topic and spread throughout the entire court.
"This is practically creating chaos in the harem!"
"The Empress and the concubines are actually fighting over a eunuch? What kind of behavior is this!"
"Lin Chuan is a treacherous man, no less so than Miao Du, and must be severely punished!"
In the imperial court, civil and military officials discussed the matter, their anger and dissatisfaction with Lin Chuan growing stronger.
Everyone believed that if the situation continued to be allowed to continue, it would eventually lead to a major disaster.
At this moment, Li Er was extremely angry, his head throbbing with rage.
Guanyinbi and Lin Chuan were already giving him a headache, and now Consort Yang has joined in, which is simply trying to kill him!
He was not stupid; he immediately understood Consort Yang's intention.
They used Lin Chuan to disgust Guanyinbi and the entire court.
Because she was, after all, the eldest princess of the previous dynasty, it was difficult to change outsiders' impressions of her.
But why did she choose Lin Chuan?
Now, this has further aroused the anger and resistance of the entire court.
"Your Majesty, I implore you to deal with Lin Chuan as soon as possible!"
"The imperial harem is now in chaos. If this continues, how can we talk about the stability of the Tang Dynasty?"
Sure enough, soon an old civil official came forward to offer his advice, his expression filled with grief and indignation.
They were acting entirely out of consideration for the Tang Dynasty!
With instability in the harem, His Majesty is unable to concentrate on state affairs!
Upon hearing this, Li Er looked troubled.
He wanted to make a difference, but Guanyin Maid treated him coldly, so what could he do?
"We beg Your Majesty to make a decision!"
"That eunuch has already disrupted the inner palace, bewitching the empress and concubines; the harm he causes is serious!"
"I urge Your Majesty to see clearly and not be misled, lest you become a foolish ruler!"
Finally, seeing that Li Er still had no reaction, Wei Zheng immediately stepped forward and gave his advice with great emotion.
The entire court was shocked upon hearing this!
Fang Du and Changsun Wuji were also astonished and looked at Wei Zheng.
This is incredibly audacious! How dare they directly call His Majesty a tyrant!
"Wei Zheng, how dare you!"
Upon hearing this, Li Er flew into a rage and swept the documents off the table with a single blow.
He was furious at this moment because he valued his reputation extremely highly, but now someone in the court was accusing him of being a tyrant!
Wei Zheng was not afraid when he saw this situation.
He was notoriously stubborn, and he would speak his mind without reservation whenever he found a mistake, regardless of whether the person in question was a commoner or the emperor!
The initial intention was good, which is why Li Er felt frustrated.
After all, it was he who appointed Wei Zheng as an advisor; if he were to take action against Wei Zheng, things would become complicated.
In the end, he could only swallow his anger.
"You are making things difficult for His Majesty."
"Your Majesty manages the affairs of the state, while Empress Zhangsun is in charge of the inner palace. As the empress, she naturally has her own rules."
At this moment, Changsun Wuji, who had remained silent, stepped forward to mediate.
He knew his sister Guanyinbi's character very well; she would never become like Zhao Ji.
Moreover, he was dissatisfied with the criticisms leveled against Guanyinbi by his civil and military officials.
After all, they share the same surname, Changsun, so such criticism is tantamount to slapping him in the face.
Furthermore, everyone must understand one thing.
Consort Yang has always lived a secluded life and maintained a low profile, but now she is suddenly making a high-profile announcement, which is suspicious!
She only wanted to use Lin Chuan to cause trouble for Empress Zhangsun and stir up emotions in the court.
Even without Lin Chuan, she would find other excuses.
At this moment, the officials and civil servants began to discuss the matter.
Wei Zheng's face was gloomy. He had no good feelings towards Consort Yang because she was a former princess of the previous dynasty and not the legitimate princess of the Tang Dynasty.
If anyone is plotting a rebellion, she is the prime suspect!
He also understood that Changsun Wuji was giving him a chance, because His Majesty was indeed very angry.
"As Your Majesty's ministers, we should share Your Majesty's worries, not get entangled with mere eunuchs."
"The Turks and other barbarian tribes have not yet been completely conquered!"
"Although the drought in Hadong Province has been dealt with, the people still have nothing to show for it and their lives are extremely difficult!"
Upon seeing this, Du Ruhui angrily said, "These ministers are simply making a fool of themselves. They can't distinguish between what's important and what's not, and they've wronged Lin Chuan."
These words made the civil and military officials even more ashamed.
One minister bluntly stated, "Your Majesty, the reason everyone is dissatisfied with Lin Chuan is simply because he lacks ability."
Another minister added, "It would be better to let him achieve some results so that everyone will be convinced."
Fang Xuanling also offered a suggestion, believing that Lin Chuan should be given a chance, a suggestion that was agreed upon by everyone.
Although Lin Chuan was a eunuch, he easily obtained a high rank, which made many people dissatisfied.
But if he can gain everyone's approval, these grievances will disappear.
Li Er agreed to the suggestion. He had confidence in Lin Chuan and believed that Lin Chuan was capable of achieving results that would impress the ministers.
Now is the time for Lin Chuan to showcase his talent; he must respond to the doubts with action.
……
Inside the bath at Yuhua Palace, Lin Chuan composed himself and resolutely walked in.
Consort Yang may appear weak on the surface, but she is actually extremely resilient and not easily bullied.
Lin Chuan must be careful with his words and actions, otherwise he may be punished by her.
At this moment, Consort Yang remained expressionless, treating Lin Chuan as her personal eunuch and showing no concern whatsoever.
After all, Guanyinbi was there to shield her.
White steam billowed in the bathtub.
Lin Chuan grinned mischievously and reached out to Consort Yang.
Meanwhile, outside Yuhua Palace, on the long corridor.
Guanyinbi, dressed in a red robe and with an ashen face, walked straight into the depths of the inner courtyard.
A group of eunuchs and palace maids followed her.
Even the Imperial Guards have been mobilized.
She was indeed furious. Regardless of whether Lin Chuan was involved, Yang Fei was courting death for daring to steal her man.
If we don't teach her a lesson today, she'll really think she can do whatever she wants.
"Consort Yang, come out here at once!"
Soon after, the imperial guards surrounded the bathhouse, and Empress Zhangsun angrily rebuked them.
In the bathtub.
Lin Chuan had finished taking care of Consort Yang and was now standing respectfully to one side.
He was not worried at all about the angry shouts outside.
Because it was inevitable that Guanyinbi would discover the truth, and she already had a strategy to deal with it.
A junior eunuch was powerless to help the Empress and her concubines in their dispute.
Consort Yang's face showed indifference, but she soon smiled because she had achieved her goal.
Even if she is to be humiliated next, at least she has made Guanyinbi uncomfortable.
In the Lizheng Hall, Lin Chuan pretended to be afraid and stood aside, not daring to look up at Empress Zhangsun.
He didn't know how Empress Zhangsun would deal with Consort Yang, because he had been taken away directly at the time.
It's unlikely that Guanyinbi would kill Consort Yang, since Consort Yang was, after all, one of Emperor Gaozong's (Li Er's) concubines.
"Little Chuanzi, haven't I treated you well?"
After a while, Guanyinbi glared at Lin Chuan and questioned him.
She was unhappy, and all the officials looked down on Consort Yang, so why should Lin Chuan help her?