Chapter 182: The Abandoned Pawn

Chapter 182

The Abandoned Pawn

Upon learning the decision of the family elders, Mu Zhao Yi was deeply dissatisfied. However, in the presence of Mu Guifei, she feigned humility and obedience.

"Doing this will ensure the safety of Sister Rongying and our Mu family. Earlier, Qiuxiang didn’t think things through, truly. If His Majesty were to learn that Sister Rongying fled, wouldn’t he direct his anger toward the Mu family?"

Though she said this, her thoughts were entirely different.

She silently mocked the family elders as cowardly and timid. What could be so bad about exposing one traitor from the family? Kang Wang’s status wasn’t ordinary. One day, the truth would inevitably come to light, and by then, what excuses could they offer? It’s not that she didn’t understand the family patriarch’s reasoning—they saw Mu Rongying as a spent pawn, now under someone else’s control. But being young and preferring swift, clear results, and her plans had always succeeded in the past, Mu Zhao Yi believed her own approach was the right one.

In just a few days, the marriage ceremony of Princess An Le would take place. Once the ceremony was over, Kang Wang would likely take Mu Rongying back to Huangjing City. By then, it would be difficult to prove anything. So, it would be better to act swiftly while the opportunity remained. She had rumors spread that Kang Wang’s secondary consort was not the daughter of the Nie family but rather Mu Rongying, the girl who had supposedly been gravely ill and secluded in the Mu family.

At first, the rumors circulated only among the imperial concubines, but within two or three days, they spread widely among the court officials. Originally, Mu Zhao Yi had intended to ruin Mu Rongying, hoping she would be dismissed and punished for deceiving the court. But the situation didn’t unfold as she had anticipated. The Pei family, aligned with the Empress, seized the opportunity to attack the Mu family. They not only submitted a petition in court but also approached Kang Wang, ahead of the other officials, proposing that a granddaughter from the Pei family be made the primary consort. It was a direct slap in the face to the Mu family.

The Mu family quickly worked to quash the rumors, claiming that the story was spread by ill-intentioned individuals. They argued that Mu Rongying was already suffering from illness, and now the Pei family was cruelly adding to her distress. However, Kang Wang’s status was not ordinary. Suddenly summoning the secondary consort for interrogation was not something easily done. Many saw the rumors as an attempt to tarnish Kang Wang’s reputation, especially since he had made efforts to remain discreet. Since Kang Wang’s return to the capital, he had avoided building political alliances, which earned him the respect of Jun Wang, his half-brother.

When the Emperor heard these disputes in the court, he became displeased. The constant conflict between Rui Wang and Jun Wang had already caused divisions within the royal court. Now, with Kang Wang being dragged into the mess shortly after his return, the Emperor felt sympathy for his son and didn’t want to pressure him further.

Though Mu Rongying remained secluded in the Chong Dian Palace, she was well aware of the outside happenings. After the formal complaints were filed in court, Xian Fei visited her at the palace. The two women discussed the matter seriously.

"This rumor is likely Mu Zhao Yi’s doing. In the Mu family, the elders’ decisions are final. The rumor started within the palace, and if it wasn’t Mu Zhao Yi, it couldn’t have been anyone else from the Mu family,"

Mu Rongying speculated. The Mu family was always adept at managing internal secrets—look at how they completely destroyed Baihua Brothel. If not for an insider spreading the rumor, it would have been nearly impossible for outsiders to know.

"Then, what should we do next?"

Xian Fei asked, probing her daughter-in-law’s thoughts. Mu Rongying lowered her eyes and spoke.

“This matter can be as big or as small as we make it. It depends on how the Pei family attacks and how the Mu family defends. Kang Wang is someone neither side dares to move against. If they can’t pull him to their side, they will likely try to eliminate him. If this matter reaches His Majesty’s ears, I am willing to take all the blame myself.”

Xian Fei snorted.

“Foolish girl! Do you really think this will make the situation better? Do you not know my son by now? Wuqian will never let you suffer punishment.”

Mu Rongying gave a sad smile.

“I believe that as well, but I don’t want to cause trouble for His Highness. If an investigation arises, it would be better for him to feign ignorance. In any case, I am merely a sacrificial pawn in this struggle.”

Xian Fei’s sharp eyes glinted.

“Don’t underestimate your husband. He is not a powerless man. Since the day he decided to marry you, I’m sure he was prepared for this outcome.”

Mu Rongying looked at her mother-in-law in surprise. Xian Fei had a reputation for being neither ruthless nor particularly kind. Mu Rongying had expected that, in such a situation, Xian Fei would pressure her to bear the blame for her son. Seeing her expression, Xian Fei laughed.

“You think I’m cold-hearted, don’t you? If you were still part of the Mu family, I wouldn’t show any mercy. But now, you are my daughter-in-law. How could the Zheng family not protect their own? Stop thinking of sacrificing yourself foolishly.”

Mu Rongying bowed deeply, feeling genuine respect for Xian Fei. It became clear that the Zheng family had a very different approach to educating their children from the Mu family.

Mu Zhao Yi had not anticipated that her plan would go awry. Grand Chancellor Mu had outright denied the rumors that Mu Rongying was Kang Wang’s secondary consort, showing no concern for the news. Even the Emperor seemed largely indifferent to the rumor. At Chong Dian Palace, it was as if the storm hadn’t affected them at all. Instead, Mu Zhao Yi found herself summoned by Mu Guifei.

As she entered the palace, Mu Zhao Yi immediately sensed that something was wrong. Mu Guifei’s servants, who usually showed her respect, now acted cold and indifferent. Mu Guifei sat calmly on a carved wooden daybed, her expression unreadable, holding a round fan despite the cool weather. She looked regal, still beautiful like a queen. When her niece entered, she glanced over and signaled her to sit.

“Qiuxiang greets you, Aunt. May I ask what urgent business you have...?”

“How dare you! You are merely a Zhao Yi, yet you think you can act as my equal? In this palace, respect is based on rank. Who here would consider you a family member? Slap her mouth!”

At Mu Guifei’s command, one of the maids stepped forward and struck Mu Zhao Yi’s mouth hard. She screamed in pain and shock, tasting blood immediately after the first blow.

“The matter of Mu Rongying—are you the one who spread it?”

Mu Guifei asked icily, without preamble.

“No, Your Highness! It must be a scheme of the Empress, trying to sow discord between us.”

Mu Zhao Yi denied it fiercely. Mu Guifei glanced at her close attendant, who signaled for another maid to be brought in. The maid was dragged in, her face swollen beyond recognition. She was pushed to her knees in front of Mu Guifei and began kowtowing frantically, pleading for mercy.

"Isn’t she one of your people? You didn’t spread the rumors yourself, just ordered her to do it. Hah! Just because you managed to create a small disturbance for Empress Pei, you think you’re so clever? She wasn’t even hurt, and you didn’t come close to toppling her. You’re barely managing to save yourself, yet you overreach and act beyond orders. Can you handle the consequences?!"

Mu Zhao Yi raised her hand to her still-stinging face, both afraid and desperate to justify herself, fearing further anger from her aunt. But this time, she dared not address her familiarly.

"Mu Guifei, I did it for our family. Sooner or later, the truth about Mu Rongying would have come out. If we let it drag on, wouldn’t it seem like we were complicit!? Since the elders didn’t dare to make a decision, I acted on my own."

"Didn’t dare to make a decision? Foolish and arrogant! The elders intended to keep Mu Rongying as a hidden card, knowing that one day Kang Wang would have to show respect to the Mu family. But you ruined everything. It’s fortunate that His Majesty didn’t pursue the matter, but the Pei family has already caught wind of it. Can’t you see that they’re trying to push their granddaughter toward Kang Wang, while the Mu family is being forced to sever ties with Mu Rongying entirely?"

Mu Guifei fanned herself as if to cool the flames of her anger.

"Afraid the truth would come out, were you? Since Mu Rongying’s return, has anyone even seen her face? Even when petitions were submitted to His Majesty, no one could summon her for questioning. Do you really think Kang Wang is a fool? Do you think he’s unable to protect his own wife? He’s been away from the capital for years, and now that he’s returned, not only are the court officials watching him closely, but even His Majesty seems to be giving him special attention. Jun Wang has worked hard for years and still hasn’t earned the favor that Kang Wang seems to be getting now."

There was a hint of bitterness in Mu Guifei’s voice as she spoke of her son. Having been by the Emperor’s side for many years, she had long accepted that her highest position would be that of Guifei, but it pained her that her intelligent son, Jun Wang, was overlooked due to the Emperor’s suspicions about the Mu family’s power. She had initially been pleased when Kang Wang married Mu Rongying under the guise of her being the daughter of a merchant. Even though her true status couldn’t be revealed, both sides understood their real relationship. The Mu family didn’t need to openly support Kang Wang, and if he elevated a merchant’s daughter to the rank of primary consort, it would disqualify him from vying for any higher position. It was an easy way to eliminate the competitor. But Mu Zhao Yi had ruined everything.

"Qiuxiang, when I saw you being chosen to replace Mu Rongying, I thought you would do better. You’ve truly disappointed me. With only the petty mind of a jealous woman, how can you hope to compete with the elder foxes of the family? Do you think you can compare yourself to Mu Rongying? How laughable. She left the family and faced the world on her own. Look at her life now. And you? With all the power and connections of the Mu family, the best you can manage is cheap schemes to undermine the Empress. Very well, I’ll tell you something for your own good. You tried to attack her, but she has struck back at you. You’ve been poisoned during your trip to Huangjing, and you’re barren now. You have no one to blame but yourself and your people for not being cautious. Away from the watchful eyes of the Mu family, you failed to protect yourself. Leave now. And don’t ever set foot in my palace again."

The revelation that she could no longer bear children, coupled with Mu Guifei severing ties with her, left Mu Zhao Yi in shock. In the treacherous world of the inner palace, survival without the backing of one’s natal family was nearly impossible. Worse yet, she had made enemies everywhere, including the Empress. The mere thought of it sent shivers down her spine.

"Aunt! Please forgive me. Qiuxiang has realized her mistake. From now on, I will never defy your orders again. Please, allow me to redeem myself through good deeds."

Mu Guifei cast a glance and signaled for the servants to drag Mu Zhao Yi away. Her beautiful face remained icy and devoid of any expression.

Mu Zhao Yi screamed and begged, but her cries were muffled as a cloth was stuffed into her mouth. She was dragged across the floor and thrown outside the palace doors. Her maid rushed to her side, helping her up as they both trembled in fear. Both mistress and servant looked at the large, imposing doors now shut behind them, realizing that their lives in the inner palace had essentially ended. In the end, Mu Zhao Yi came to understand that she had been nothing more than a pawn, discarded after being used.