Chapter 9

Chapter 9

After returning to Qianxi Palace, I silently began to tally up the things I needed to do.

First, I had to heal my eyes.

Second, I had to gather power of my own.

Third, I had to win over the people.

Fourth, I had to ruin the reputations of my imperial brothers and make them tear each other apart.

They and I were two ends of the same scale. When they rose, I fell. Only when they fell could my own height be revealed.

For me to live well, they had to lose everything.

With that in mind, I began to make my plans. First, I offered a heavy reward, putting up a thousand taels of gold among the common folk in search of renowned physicians.

The moment the notice was released, it caused a sensation among the people.

Some were curious as to why I had gone blind. Others wanted to know who would claim that thousand-gold reward.

As for the first question, I did not hesitate to have the truth spread.

Within a few days, everyone knew that First Imperial Brother was violent and willful, that he had beaten his young sister and caused her to lose her sight.

First Imperial Brother was still under house arrest, yet his letter cursing me had already arrived on my desk.

I did not read it.

I deliberately waited until a dozen or so physicians from among the people had come to examine me before ordering Hongshuang to read the letter aloud.

“Zhao Yunle, obediently shut your mouth, and I may spare your life. If you continue spreading rumors, then one day, I will make sure you die without a grave.”

The letter was short, but the hatred in it was long.

My face went pale, but I still ordered someone to send a reply.

“Tell First Imperial Brother that someone is slandering me. First Imperial Brother should think carefully about whom he has offended. I am only a woman. In the future, I will no longer be an eyesore to him. No matter what, I am still his sister.”

Before long, I heard that First Imperial Brother had shifted his suspicions onto Second Imperial Brother and Third Imperial Brother.

He suspected that the ones spreading the news were Second Imperial Brother and Third Imperial Brother, because only they stood to benefit from it.

For the first time, I felt the convenience my identity as a woman brought me.

It seemed there was no absolute good or bad in this world. It all depended on how I used it.

The Danmaku reported news of my three imperial brothers every day.

First Imperial Brother sent letters rebuking Second Imperial Brother and Third Imperial Brother.

Second Imperial Brother and Third Imperial Brother, however, did not show weakness the way I had. The three of them ripped open one another’s old scars and mocked each other in turn.

Their once-solid brotherly bond, deprived of me as their common enemy, began to fall apart.

I understood something then. In the past, I had foolishly fought one against three.

Now, I ought to divide them, weaken them, and break them one by one.

I personally went to First Imperial Brother’s estate to apologize.

Naturally, First Imperial Brother would not let such an opportunity to display sibling affection pass him by.

He ordered his servants to warmly welcome me inside, but then made me wait in his estate for an entire hour before he finally arrived at a leisurely pace.

Though I could not see anything, I could feel his gaze prickling over me like needles, making my whole body uncomfortable.

He gave a scornful laugh. “Since losing your sight, little sister, you seem to have gained far more sense than before. If you had been like this earlier, how could we siblings have ended up where we are today? Perhaps those eyes are better off blind.”

I suppressed the resentment in my heart and let my tears fall, drop by drop.

“But… if my eyes cannot be cured, I will become leverage for others to attack Eldest Brother. If Eldest Brother does not mind, Yunle can choose not to treat them.”

He pondered for a moment. “Forget it. I was only saying that casually. You should still seek treatment.”

I broke into a smile. “Then, Imperial Brother, could you lend me some money? Empress Mother took back my fief income and salary. Now I have to support so many physicians, and I truly have no money…”

First Imperial Brother slammed his teacup heavily onto the table.

“Zhao Yunle, are you trying to swindle money from me now? I have no money. See the guest out!”

I sighed. “Then… I will go find Second Imperial Brother. I had originally planned to wait until my eyes were cured, then have those physicians praise First Imperial Brother properly outside. After all, those physicians come from all corners of the land. But I never expected First Imperial Brother to be so indifferent to fame and profit. Perhaps Second Imperial Brother would enjoy making a name for himself.”

First Imperial Brother cut me off. “I will give you ten thousand taels. Do not come looking for me again.”

I hurriedly bowed. “First Imperial Brother, you are so kind. I was wrong before. I should not have damaged our sibling bond for the sake of an outsider. Thank you, First Imperial Brother!”

The Danmaku was filled with joy.

“Princess, I really couldn’t tell. You’re actually an expert at fleecing people.”

“First Imperial Brother is one fine sheep. I thought he was a tall, rich, handsome type, but it turns out he’s a sweet summer idiot.”

“Can you go fleece Second Imperial Brother and Third Imperial Brother too?”

Of course I could.