The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 1)

Chapter 135 - Demotion

Ye Yun took a deep breath, as if she had been deeply wronged, and paused for a moment before speaking.

"Your Majesty, after leaving Cining Palace, I thought it was rare to have such cool weather after the rain, so I walked back with Zhou Cairen. As we passed by the artificial hills near Yue Lake, we happened to stumble upon Sun Xiuyi scolding Xia Meiren. Without any explanation, Sun Xiuyi slapped her. I didn't want to get involved and tried to leave, but Sun Xiuyi noticed us and directed her anger towards Zhou Cairen and me."

"That slap was originally meant for me, but Zhou Cairen blocked it, and Sun Xiuyi, wearing her nail covers, ended up scratching her face, leaving a deep mark. In my anger, I struck Sun Xiuyi in return."

"However, I understand that what's done is done. Zhou Cairen was wrongfully dragged into this mess, and as for Xia Meiren, I don't fully know the details of her situation. I admit that I was wrong to hit Sun Xiuyi, and I am willing to accept punishment for my actions!"

After saying this, Ye Yun knelt down without hesitation. Seeing her kneel, Xia Meiren and Zhou Cairen hesitated for a moment but then followed suit.

Zhou Cairen quickly responded, "Your Majesty, please forgive us. Ming Jieyu only acted impulsively on my behalf. If anyone deserves punishment, it should be me. Ming Jieyu acted out of a kind and noble heart."

Xia Meiren, with her head lowered, hesitated briefly but then also spoke up, "Your Majesty, today's incident started because of me, which has implicated Ming Jieyu and Zhou Cairen. Please punish me instead."

Ning Chen looked at the three consorts kneeling before him, especially Ye Yun, who led the group. He felt a mix of frustration and amusement. This woman had quite the nerve—not only had she hit Sun Xiuyi, a consort of higher rank, but she was also quick to admit her mistake and present it in a way that shifted the focus to the others' grievances, making it difficult to punish her severely.

Sighing, he stood up and personally helped Ye Yun to her feet. "I don't even know what to say about your temper. It's true that Sun Xiuyi was out of line for hitting Zhou Cairen, but you shouldn't have hit her in return. After all, she is still a Xiuyi. I'll punish you with a month of confinement to reflect on your actions."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I accept the punishment willingly," Ye Yun replied, bowing respectfully.

Ning Chen then turned to Zhou Cairen, "You should have the injury on your face looked at by the imperial physicians right away. Use the best medicine so it doesn't leave a scar."

After a brief pause, he looked at Xia Meiren, "Now tell me, how did the conflict between you and Sun Xiuyi begin?"

"Xia Meiren has a gentle temperament, but she must have been pushed too far," Ye Yun said calmly. "Even a rabbit bites when it's cornered."

This statement was a subtle reminder to Xia Meiren that everyone has a limit to their patience.

Ye Yun had struck someone of higher rank, which wasn't exactly justifiable. Zhou Cairen's rank was low, and she wasn't favored by the emperor, so there wasn't much that could be done to truly punish Sun Xiuyi. Whether or not they could deal a heavy blow to Sun Xiuyi today depended entirely on Xia Meiren.

In truth, if Xia Meiren hadn't been involved, Ye Yun wouldn't have caused such a scene. But since it had already happened, she wasn't going to let herself be at a disadvantage.

Xia Meiren wasn't foolish. She quickly understood Ye Yun's message, and her eyes filled with tears before she began sobbing.

"Your Majesty, I've lost my child and can never bear children again. No one feels more sorrow than I do. But Sun Xiuyi... She insulted me, saying I was lowly and deserved to die. She claimed I was foolish to have fallen into someone else's trap and not given birth to a healthy heir. She even cursed my child, saying it was destined for a short life and would not have survived, which is why she now suffers neglect and bitterness."