Chapter 058: Unveiling the Sharp Edge, Accusation on the Spot

Wu Tan’s voice rang out loud and clear, instantly silencing the groups of noble ladies nearby who had been whispering about the recent perilous fire. All eyes turned toward her.

The Princess of Qingyang, being a member of the imperial family, was seated in the inner circle at the banquet. Thus, when the incident occurred, she was among the first to receive news and came promptly with Empress Jiang. She had been comforting her own daughter, but upon hearing Wu Tan's words, she was the first to object.

She released Li Xun’er, strode quickly to Wu Tan, and demanded angrily, “What did you say? Are you claiming the fire was set deliberately?”

Wu Tan glanced at Huo Yunhua, who, as expected, looked away guiltily and tried to hide behind the others. Wu Tan grew even more certain of her suspicions.

Lifting her head, she met the Princess of Qingyang’s gaze directly and replied, “I did not say so, nor would I dare to make such an accusation lightly. However, for a fire to break out so suddenly in the princess’s bedchamber, nearly endangering lives, surely the cause must be investigated thoroughly to prevent such disasters in the future.”

Her demeanor was calm, her tone neither servile nor arrogant.

“Investigate! This must be investigated thoroughly!” This time, it was Consort Xianfei Zhao who spoke up, cutting in forcefully.

Princess Lin’an, still shaken by the ordeal, clung to her and would not let go, keeping Consort Zhao from moving. So she issued a sharp command, “Bring here everyone who was serving in this courtyard before the incident. I want to question each one and see how, under so many watchful eyes, such a fire could break out!”

With her authority over Huayang Palace, her order was immediately carried out, and the palace stewards rushed to summon those involved. Since many had joined in the firefighting efforts, it was unlikely they could all be found at once. Empress Jiang swept her gaze over the nearby girls and asked, “You were all in the rear hall at the time? What exactly happened?”

The Empress’s authority was daunting—few dared meet her eyes. The girls exchanged nervous glances until one, bolder than the rest, recalled, “We were having tea in the left warming chamber, talking. The princess mentioned she’d received new pigments from His Majesty, perfect for painting floral patterns. Lady Changping and the others wanted to try, so they went to the bedchamber with the princess. Later, Zhang Sisi smelled something burning. We were just wondering when we suddenly heard someone outside yelling about a fire. We rushed out, but the doorway to the bedchamber was already engulfed in flames. After that…” She glanced at Wu Qinglin, “While the palace staff were still fighting the fire, Lord Wu arrived, and when he heard people were trapped inside, he charged straight in.”

That was the extent of what she could recall.

Princess Lin’an was still sobbing uncontrollably, so attention shifted to Li Xun’er. She frowned slightly and nodded, “We were painting floral patterns for each other in Lin’an’s bedchamber. By the time we saw flames outside the window, it was too late to escape. The fire was suddenly so fierce, we don’t even know how it happened.” Thinking back, she shuddered, then turned to cling to her mother coquettishly, “Mother!” Yet even as she did, she stole a glance at the grim-faced Wu Qinglin.

Just as Li Xun’er finished, Zhu Bingchen returned to report, “Your Majesty, I have inspected the damage to the princess’s bedchamber. The fire began at the right-hand window. According to the maidservants, a screen stood directly inside that window, which is likely why the fire was not discovered sooner. Later, the flames reached the outer window where lamp oil had been stored temporarily on the sill. The oil jar exploded, and with so many draperies inside, the fire quickly spiraled out of control.”

As he spoke, a senior maid he had brought with him prostrated herself on the ground, trembling, and pleaded, “Please spare me, Your Majesty! I did not neglect my duty on purpose. I was replenishing the lamps with oil when the princess brought her guests and told me to step out. Since all the guests were in the left warming chamber, I just set the oil jar on the right-hand window sill, planning to put it away later… I am guilty! I deserve punishment!”

With this, the sequence of events became coherent, explaining how the fire could spread so rapidly.

Having nearly lost her daughter, Princess Qingyang was not about to let the matter be brushed aside. She sneered coldly, “And what caused the fire to start? Don’t tell me a strong wind blew it in from the heavens!”

Zhu Bingchen glanced at Empress Jiang, as if reluctant to speak.

Empress Jiang said, “I wish to know the truth as well. Speak your mind.”

Zhu Bingchen bowed and declared, “The area around that window was burned the worst—even the corridor outside has collapsed. The pillars, though wooden, are thick and sturdy, and could not catch fire so quickly unless something like lamp oil was poured over them. Otherwise, it would be nearly impossible.”

At these words, Princess Lin’an forgot even to cry. She looked up in terror, “You mean someone set the fire on purpose, to kill me?”

The suspicion was horrifying. As soon as she spoke, she buried herself in Consort Zhao’s arms, weeping, “Mother! How terrifying! Someone tried to kill your daughter by fire in the palace…”

Wu Tan could understand her feelings, but she didn’t believe Huo Yunhua’s true intent had been to kill the princess.

After all, what benefit would a bureaucrat’s daughter gain by murdering Princess Lin’an in such a savage way?

Consort Zhao, upon hearing the fire was arson, was furious. While soothing Princess Lin’an, she snapped, “It is unlikely that outsiders could enter Huayang Palace. Bring every palace servant here and question them one by one! I will see which wretch dared to commit such a vicious act.”

“Yes, Your Highness!” By now, it was unthinkable to let the matter drop without a thorough investigation. Zhu Bingchen did not hesitate this time.

Huo Yunhua stood at the back, head lowered, appearing demure, but her hands clutched her handkerchief tightly. Upon hearing these words, however, she relaxed slightly, her grip loosening.

Wu Tan noticed this, her lips curling coldly. Suddenly, she raised her voice, “Commander Zhu, perhaps you should first question the senior matrons of Huayang Palace!”

Huo Yunhua started in alarm. Forgetting her caution, she snapped her head up to look at Wu Tan.

Wu Tan met her gaze directly, her eyes mocking and sharp. She enunciated clearly, “This afternoon, as I walked by the lake, I happened to see Lord Huo Wenshan’s daughter lingering at the gate of Huayang Palace…”

At that moment, Crown Prince Xiao Yun arrived. Entering the courtyard, the first thing he saw was Wu Tan, radiant and unyielding, confronting Huo Yunhua.

——— Author’s Note ———

Everyone is sneaking glances at your Brother Lin… Truly, a wife is not easy to choose~

PS: Next episode preview—Tan will tear into Huo Yunhua. Stay tuned!

This is the original release. Please do not repost!