Chapter 9
I boarded the carriage, heading to the Zhenbei Prince’s Mansion for the banquet.
As soon as the carriage left the palace gates, Lixue, following my orders, instructed the coachman, “Take a detour to Yunpei Workshop.”
In just the time it takes to drink a few cups of tea, the carriage stopped outside Yunpei Workshop.
I entered together with Lixue and Haitang.
Not long after, when I emerged from the workshop, I was already dressed differently.
I wore a set of clothes that appeared plain but were actually made of fine material, passing quietly in front of the coachman.
He did not recognize me.
During this period, I had secretly inquired and learned that Liang Qiusuang’s residence was on Wuliu Street.
It was not close to the city center.
After asking for directions along the way, about half an hour later, I knocked on the gate of the Liang Residence.
A young servant at the door asked who I was.
“Tell your master that I have come by order of Concubine Xiao.”
The name of Concubine Xiao was very effective; Liang Qiusuang came out to greet me in person.
He bent at the waist, smiling, sizing me up discreetly, and asked, “May I ask who you are, miss?”
I stepped into the Liang Residence, proud as a peacock: “I am the chief maid by Concubine Xiao’s side. You may call me Aunt Xiyue.”
Liang Qiusuang’s eyes flickered, and he followed behind me. “Aunt Xiyue, may I ask the purpose of your visit?”
I snorted, raising my eyes arrogantly: “The reason for my visit is something you and I both understand well, so why pretend to be confused? If you had handled matters properly, would I need to come here myself?”
Having been rebuked by a mere maid, the smile on Liang Qiusuang’s face faltered for a moment.
But, being used to dealing with people, his expression quickly returned to normal. “What you refer to, Aunt, I only know in part. I wonder if you have any proof for your visit, so that I may have some guidelines in my heart.”
I took out a Palace Token from my sleeve.
This was a counterfeit Palace Token.
It bore the name of Concubine Xiao’s palace and the name of the person I was impersonating.
Counterfeiting a Palace Token was a capital offense.
To obtain this token, I had gone to great lengths.
Seeing the Palace Token, Liang Qiusuang finally relaxed a little.
“Forgive me for the neglect, Aunt. Please, come inside.”
He led me into the residence.
I said, “No need for the trouble. Just take me directly to see her. I have my own ways to make her talk.”
Who “her” referred to was self-evident.
Liang Qiusuang hesitated for a moment.
I showed my displeasure: “Sir, it is not easy for me to come out like this. Please do not waste time and ruin Your Highness’s affairs. If Her Highness is displeased, none of us can bear the consequences!”
“Of course!” Liang Qiusuang agreed repeatedly, changing direction. “Aunt, please follow me this way.”
The Liang Family Dungeon was built in a secluded spot, appearing from the outside as a small courtyard.
Outside the courtyard gate, there were family guards on watch.
Inside was an elegantly furnished study, but in this refined place, there was a hidden door. Beyond it, there was utter darkness, filled only with the damp, moldy smell and a faint scent of blood.
After walking down a stretch of the dark passage, torchlight finally appeared ahead.
Perhaps because it was underground, there was no sunlight or ventilation, and the temperature was low, the chill seeping into the skin and raising goosebumps all over.
I saw Liang Chunyan.
She was chained by her limbs, suspended in a spread-eagle position on a torture rack.
She had suffered severe torture, her body covered in whip marks and traces of branding irons.
Beside the rack that bound her were many torture instruments, some clearly used many times, still stained with dried, dark red blood.
I forcibly suppressed the surge of anger in my heart and ordered the torturers to take her down.
The torturers, seeing me give orders, did not respond but looked to Liang Qiusuang for direction.
Liang Qiusuang nodded to them.
Only then did they lift Liang Chunyan from the rack and place her on the ground.
“Sir Liang, you may all leave,” I said unceremoniously, issuing the order to clear the room.
Liang Qiusuang hesitated, “This…”
I gave him a cold look, warning him not to ask further.
He narrowed his eyes, then waved for the others to leave.
Once everyone else had gone,
he smiled and cupped his hands to me, “I’ll leave this place in your care, Aunt. We will all wait outside. If you need anything, just call.”
I nodded in satisfaction and instructed him, “Since this matter is now in my hands, let me handle it my way. Before I come out, please keep watch at the door and do not let anyone in.”
“Of course, of course,” Liang Qiusuang nodded eagerly, grinning obsequiously, “Everything as you wish, Aunt.”