A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1157: I Left No Trace

Indeed.

The witchcraft and gu that Empress Dowager Zhen possessed? It was all her doing.

Empress Dowager Zhen herself was also a victim of her machinations.

The woman had just experienced the profound grief of losing her son, a perfect moment for revenge!

First, she administered the Wushi Powder, driving her to madness and instability.

Then, she planted the witchcraft and gu, setting her up for a false accusation.

Under the laws of the Imperial Court, the practice of witchcraft and gu carries the penalty of death. Furthermore, those who curse the Emperor, knowing the law, implicate their entire families.

That woman knew far too much.

She had no alternative but to devise a method for her elimination.

Once she was gone, the secret would vanish with her.

She could then continue to reign as Empress Dowager for life, leveraging her nurturing role to maintain control over him.

This would compel him to show filial piety, even if it were merely for show, and that would suffice.

However…

What she had failed to anticipate was this:

The Emperor did not, in fact, order the execution of Empress Dowager Zhen!

The witchcraft and gu, bearing his birth date and marked with countless needle pricks, lay directly before him.

He was capable of remaining composed, analyzing the situation logically, and, by peeling back the layers, uncovering the traces of evidence.

Had this man become so formidable?

He was unlike the Late Emperor.

He surpassed the previous generation, possessing far greater power than the Late Emperor.

Therefore, when he visited her today, had he perceived something amiss?

The Empress Dowager’s body swayed slightly as she knelt before the Buddha.

'No! It cannot be. I left no trace; he could never discover it!'

'If he had uncovered something, would I still be kneeling here calmly, offering prayers?'

'Since he departed quietly, it signifies that he found nothing!'

'Yes, it must be so!'

The Empress Dowager’s heart found its calm, her expression regaining its composure and lucidity.

A subtle undercurrent of pride and disdain even surfaced in her bearing.

'At most, it’s mere suspicion. What good is suspicion? What can you possibly do to me?!'

...

As he departed from Ningshou Palace,

Zhao Junyao’s doubts persisted, unresolved.

Seated in the Imperial Study Room, lost in contemplation once more, he nonetheless issued an instruction to Li Shengan.

"Keep a vigilant watch over Empress Dowager Zhen’s residence for me!"

"Should anything happen to her, bring your head to me!"

A shiver coursed down Li Shengan’s spine, and he quickly bowed in acknowledgment.

"Rest assured, Your Majesty!"

Zhao Junyao cast him a look that conveyed a distinct lack of reassurance before resuming his review of the memorials.

...

The Capital City.

Ever since the triumphant return of the army, the populace had been immersed in an atmosphere of jubilant celebration.

Those families whose members had returned victorious from the battlefield, receiving the Emperor’s generous rewards, were swelling with pride.

For unmarried men, the matchmakers’ doors were practically besieged.

Years ago, some had been compelled to join the army due to sheer poverty and hardship, remaining single men and old bachelors.

Now, their fortunes had been reversed overnight.

With their newfound silver, they purchased land, attained a status that brought honor to their ancestors, and happily married wives.

Even those who were already married found themselves in a similar, advantageous position.

Matchmakers were eager to facilitate the addition of a lovely concubine or a beautiful maid to their households, anticipating substantial reward money.

Occasions of joy permeated every street and alley of the Capital City; even the exuberant theatrical troupes and sedan chair bearers were ceaselessly occupied.

Amidst this vibrant environment,

Newly appointed officials, still eligible bachelors like Tiger and Rat, became highly sought-after prospects in the eyes of the matchmakers.

Both of these men held positions as respectable officials within the Imperial Court.

Having secured a victory and recently received promotions, they were also bestowed with abundant gold and silver treasures by the Emperor.

If a marriage arrangement were to be successfully brokered for them… Ah, the reward money involved!

With visions of reward money dancing in their heads, the matchmakers wished they had wheels attached to their feet, hurrying swiftly one after another.

Rat proved to be the easier prospect.

Despite his somewhat shifty appearance, he presented himself as relatively normal.

Consequently, he quickly became engaged to the second daughter of an aged scholar’s family.

The young lady was attractive and elegant, possessed of a gentle and virtuous disposition, her only perceived flaw being the financial straits of her family.

Rat was exceedingly pleased, his grin stretching so wide it seemed to encircle his ears.

He felt a surge of fervent enthusiasm, eager to dedicate his heart and soul to the young woman.

In his personal philosophy,

When frequenting a brothel, it was naturally preferable if the courtesans were more alluring and forward.

However, for the purpose of marriage, such demure and shy virgins were undoubtedly the superior choice.

As for Tiger,

He remained in a state of unfortunate despair. Despite the strenuous efforts of dozens of matchmakers, they could not even secure a potential wife for him.

His heart felt utterly cold and desolate.

After all these years, while he was not lacking in wealth, he had consistently failed to find a wife.

This was primarily attributable to his 'overbearing presence' and 'notorious reputation.'

(The more he was unable to find a wife, the more profound his loneliness became, and the more intensely he frequented brothels...)

When families of a certain standing inquired, these matters could not be concealed.

It was of no consequence if the women in brothels met with death or serious injury.

But how could one speak of daughters from respectable families enduring such a fate?

They were not seeking to send their daughters to their demise; marrying anyone was acceptable, so why specifically marry him?

Over time,

the perception that marrying Tiger was akin to sending a daughter to her death became deeply ingrained in people's minds.

The cherished daughters of families with limited means were naturally raised with great care from childhood, and their parents would not send them to their deaths.

Wealthy families were concerned with their reputation.

Even if they considered offering two less-favored daughters to him, they feared the stigma of being known as 'selling daughters for personal gain and disregarding their welfare.'

Thus...

Tiger's marital prospects became a significant impediment to his progress.

Observing Rat, who held a beauty in his embrace and enjoyed a blissful family life with his wife, children, and a warm bed.

Tiger remained trapped in his pitiable circumstances, his bed cold, his solitary nights spent with a hard pillow, suffering in silence.

Tiger's heart was thrown into a state of extreme dissatisfaction.

'Absolutely not! I must still take a wife.'

Consequently, to secure a wife, he pledged substantial rewards to the matchmakers.

A reward of ten taels would be given simply for bringing him a suitable wife.

Ten taels of silver might not have been a great temptation, but ten taels of gold... cough, cough!

The matchmakers felt compelled to offer themselves, adorned beautifully, and inquire:

'Regardless of anything else, rich boy, how do you find me?!'

After several matchmakers diligently worked day and night.

Finally, a widow expressed willingness to marry Tiger.

Upon hearing this, Tiger was dealt another blow.

"Damn it all! Why do others get to marry virgins, while I am relegated to marrying a widow?"

Following the matchmaker's knowing wink and her enumeration of the various advantages of marrying a widow.

Tiger found himself suddenly intrigued.

'Fair skin and lovely features?'

'A slender waist, long legs, and wide hips?'

'Capable in managing the household and the kitchen, and willing to be accommodating in the bedroom...'

'These are qualities a virgin girl might not fully possess!'

"Then what are we waiting for?"

"Hurry and arrange the marriage!"

A virgin girl or not, who cared about such a thing!

The matchmaker was overcome with joy.

"You are the finest, Esteemed Master!"

"Marry her, and I guarantee your days ahead will be comfortable and harmonious!"

Tiger, delightedly rubbing his hands together, urged repeatedly.

"Quickly, quickly, the sooner the better!"

He then presented the matchmaker with a silver ingot to finalize their agreement.

The matchmaker departed with a happy sway of her hips.

"Esteemed Master, just wait and see!"

"Once you give your consent, within a month's time, she will be wedded into your home!"