Volume One, Chapter 14: The First Clash-O marido traiu após atravessar o rio, então ela renasceu e correu para os braços do inimigo dele(Lua sombria sobre a Montanha Solitária)

A faint stream of sunlight struggled through the small window set high in the cold stone wall before her. The light slowly crept upward from the floor until it vanished, signaling the onset of night. A few dim oil lamps cast flickering shadows inside the prison cell, barely illuminating the gloomy surroundings.

Zhang Zhiqiu was dozing off when a sudden clatter of hurried footsteps startled her awake. A group of people approached her cell, and the heavy door was about to be opened. She gazed at the scene before her, panic welling up inside—uncertain of what was to come.

From the other side of the cell, Li Yuan, lying down, poked her head up to glance, then sank back down. "It's your turn so soon? Don’t worry—just a little pain and bruising. Close your eyes for a moment, and it’ll be over."

Punishments in the dungeon were carried out one after another, each prisoner summoned in turn. Perhaps Zhang Zhiqiu’s luck was poor, for her turn had come so quickly.

Such cold comfort made Zhang Zhiqiu glare at Li Yuan in anger, but she had no time to retort. The eunuchs responsible for administering the punishment flanked her on both sides, ready to forcibly drag her out.

Sighing, Li Yuan thought to herself, youth is fleeting; this little torment is nothing. A few years ago, she had endured far worse... but better not dwell on it. She closed her eyes again, unwilling to recall the past.

---

Within the Xuan Shi Palace—

Just as Lou Hongling was preparing to return to her chambers to rest, guards outside stopped someone at the door. Catching a glimpse of the figure, she turned back in surprise and curiosity, walking toward the palace entrance.

"The Emperor is already resting. What business does a lowly palace maid have wandering about at this hour?"

"Please, sirs, have mercy! I truly have something important to tell!" the maid pleaded.

"Move along..." the guards urged, weapons raised to drive her away.

From behind, Lou Hongling’s voice rang out, "What is this commotion?"

Seeing it was her, the guards quickly explained, "Miss, this palace maid has been insisting on seeing you. We dare not let her in without permission, lest we disturb His Majesty."

Lou Hongling focused on the woman and suddenly remembered—this was Xiao Zhi, a palace maid from Yong Alley. Though she had not stood up for her when she and Zhang Zhiqiu were bullied, she had at least not joined in the cruelty. Lou Hongling's impression of her was not bad, so she asked calmly, "What is it you need from me?"

Xiao Zhi hurried forward, desperate to share the news: "Sister Hongling, Zhiqiu is in trouble. Today, she was falsely accused of theft in the Imperial Garden and locked in the palace dungeon. She still hasn’t returned."

"What!"

Upon hearing Zhang Zhiqiu was involved, Lou Hongling’s heart tightened with anxiety. She quickened her steps toward the dungeon.

Xiao Zhi, less free to move within Yong Alley, was grateful enough that Lou Hongling had come to hear the news and allowed her to leave first.

"Please, guards, let me in," Lou Hongling begged at the gate.

The guards sneered, dismissive even of the silver she offered. "This little change won’t even buy us a drink. Move along and cool off."

Frustrated, Lou Hongling hesitated, unsure whether to seek Xu Qing’s help. Suddenly, a haughty voice rang out:

"Who is making such a disturbance here?"

Turning, Lou Hongling saw Deng Chumo. Earlier, Deng Chumo had been playing chess with Empress Dowager Deng and had stayed later than usual. Now, leaving the palace, he happened upon the scene.

Surprised to see Lou Hongling, a teasing smirk played on his lips, eyes sharp as an eagle’s and sparkling with mischief. Stepping forward, he inquired with feigned concern, "Miss Lou, what troubles you here?"

Relieved to have someone to speak to, Lou Hongling did not hesitate. She knelt respectfully and said, "Young Lord, a friend of mine has been falsely imprisoned. I beg you to grant her justice."

Seeing Lou Hongling’s earnest plea, so different from her usual aloofness, Deng Chumo’s pride swelled. He gladly offered his support, lifting her to her feet with sympathy in his eyes.

"Do not fear, I shall ensure justice is done."

"Thank you... Young Lord," Lou Hongling replied helplessly, though reluctant, knowing she must now owe him this favor.

At that moment, a louder voice announced:

"The Emperor has arrived."

Deng Chumo’s lips twitched involuntarily.

Lou Hongling’s heart skipped a beat. She turned stiffly toward the palace garden entrance, where the imperial procession had arrived. Xu Qing, dressed in dark official robes with a gray sable cloak draped over his shoulders, entered the prison gate amidst his entourage.

His gaze lingered briefly on Deng Chumo before settling on Lou Hongling.

"All hail His Majesty, long live the Emperor!"

The surrounding soldiers and palace attendants knelt in reverence. Lou Hongling followed suit, bowing low.

Though displeased, Deng Chumo had no choice but to kneel and pay respects.

"Your Majesty, may you be safe and well," Lou Hongling greeted.

Xu Qing nodded slightly, motioning for the others to rise. He stepped forward and helped Lou Hongling to her feet, speaking coolly to Deng Chumo, a glint of cold steel in his eyes:

"The palace gates close in half an hour. Young Lord, you should depart soon."

Though cast as advice, Deng Chumo took it as an order, his expression stiffening.

Xu Qing then turned gently to Lou Hongling, "What brings you here so late?"

Lou Hongling quickly explained the situation again, pleading for Xu Qing’s intervention.

---

Deng Chumo watched the exchange with growing displeasure.

Ah, Xu Qing, even the glory of being the hero who rescues a beauty must be claimed by him.

Unwilling to back down, Deng Chumo lifted his chin and raised an eyebrow.

"Miss Hongling sought me out earlier for help. Though His Majesty has just arrived, I ask for the chance to accompany your Majesty."

Lou Hongling was momentarily stunned. Silently, she gritted her teeth—Really? Aren’t you the one who came over in the first place?

She closed her eyes briefly, calming the surge of anger and scorn within.

Though Xu Qing felt a twinge of irritation, he showed no outward reaction and replied coolly:

"Very well."

He glanced at the guards and signaled them to open the door.

---

Meanwhile, Zhang Zhiqiu was dragged before the eunuch in charge of interrogations to hear the charges against her.

"Do you plead guilty?"

The sharp, high-pitched voice echoed harshly in the cramped cell, grating on Zhang Zhiqiu’s nerves. She frowned in defiance and said stubbornly:

"I am not guilty! Your evidence is flimsy at best!"

The eunuch’s eyes widened, and he sneered coldly:

"There are witnesses and physical evidence. You cannot deny it. Your obstinance is useless. Guards! Beat her!"

As the jailers moved to bind her to the torture rack, a voice cut through the tension:

"Wait!"

It was Xu Qing’s voice, calm yet firm. Behind him stood Deng Chumo, hands folded calmly.

The eunuch turned, startled by this rare scene. His earlier arrogance vanished, and he dropped to his knees hastily:

"Your servants greet Your Majesty and the Young Lord. Long live the Emperor!"

Xu Qing merely nodded, but Deng Chumo quickly spoke up:

"Explain the matter."

Xu Qing glanced sideways at Deng Chumo, displeased, but unwilling to argue. He turned back and said:

"Speak clearly and thoroughly."