The boatwoman glanced at Helan Yun, who angrily said, “What are you waiting for? Go!”
The boatwoman immediately started rowing. Han Jingyi, seeing this, was puzzled, “Where are you going?”
Helan Yun threw back a reply, “To seek justice. Join us if you want.”
Han Jingyi: Seek justice? How?
Confused, she thought, who could have caused the collision?
Seek justice?
How?
She didn’t even see who caused the collision.
Despite her usually calm nature, Han Jingyi was furious after such a significant mishap. She immediately said, “We’ll go too.”
Han Jingyi instructed the boatwoman to follow. The other lady on her boat quickly said, “Miss Han, I’m feeling unwell. Can you take me back to the shore first?”
Han Jingyi glanced back at the girl’s pale face and hesitated. Just then, someone else approached. Recognizing Feng Yunjin, she called out, “Miss Feng, could you help take Miss Luo back to the shore? I have something urgent to attend to.”
Feng Yunjin, having heard the commotion, saw the soaked Han Jingyi and Miss Luo on the boat and had her boatwoman row over. Concerned, she asked, “What happened? Did you fall in? No problem, I’ll help you get back.”
Han Jingyi thanked her and turned to her companion, “Miss Luo, go with Miss Feng. She’ll take you back.”
Miss Luo’s face stiffened slightly, and she hesitated, “Miss Han, after such an incident, I think you should come back with me and change clothes first. If we catch a cold, we’ll get sick.”
Han Jingyi couldn’t be bothered with that. Her boat had collided with Helan Yun’s and Song Yunzhao’s, both of whom were not easy to deal with. If she didn’t catch up with them now, who knew how they might come after her later?
But she didn’t want to explain all this to Miss Luo, whom she wasn’t familiar with, so she said, “It’s fine. You go ahead. I need to hurry.”
Feng Yunjin’s eyes darted between the two and finally rested on Miss Luo. She smiled, “Miss Luo, hurry up and don’t delay Miss Han. You do look unwell; don’t get sick.”
Miss Luo reluctantly moved slowly to Feng Yunjin’s boat, while Feng Yunjin’s gaze remained on her. When she was safely aboard, Feng Yunjin said to Han Jingyi, “Miss Han, you should hurry.”
Han Jingyi quickly thanked her and had the boatwoman pursue them. By now, there was no sign of Song Yunzhao’s small boat, and she grew increasingly anxious.
Meanwhile, Song Yunzhao directed the boatwoman, making several sharp turns, successfully confusing Helan Yun, who could see nothing but lotus leaves around them.
“Go out this way,” Song Yunzhao instructed.
The boatwoman pushed the boat out with force, leaving the lotus field behind. Helan Yun immediately felt refreshed and realized they were close to the shore.
“Huh? How did we get here?”
Song Yunzhao replied, “There are water routes in the lotus field for harvesting lotus pods, so it’s not hard to find a way out.”
Curious, Helan Yun asked, “How do you know all this?”
“Books are great. Use your brain to read them.”
Helan Yun: …
She really wanted to kick her off the boat.
As they spoke, another small boat emerged from the lotus field, carrying two unfamiliar ladies. Song Yunzhao’s eyes scanned their boat but said nothing.
Soon, another small boat emerged from the lotus field, with one of the ladies holding a lotus leaf. She greeted Song Yunzhao and Helan Yun before leaving.
Growing impatient, Helan Yun asked, “Who are you waiting for?”
Staring at the waterway exit, Song Yunzhao replied, “The one who hit us.”
“How will you know who it is?” Helan Yun couldn’t understand.
Song Yunzhao didn’t answer. Another boat appeared, and she saw Song Qinghan and Zhao Xiaoyu on board.
With a determined look, Song Yunzhao grabbed the oar and forcefully propelled their boat towards them.
The boatwoman exclaimed and tried to stop Song Yunzhao, but Helan Yun threw the other oar into the water.
Boatwoman: …
She shouldn’t have let go of the oar earlier.
Regretting her action, Helan Yun realized she should have helped Song Yunzhao row.
Song Qinghan and Zhao Xiaoyu were chatting when Zhao Xiaoyu’s expression suddenly changed. “What’s wrong?” Song Qinghan asked.
Before Zhao Xiaoyu could respond, she saw the boat shaking violently, and an oar swept towards them, scaring her into jumping into the water.
Unaware of Song Yunzhao’s intentions, Song Qinghan felt a sharp pain in her shoulder as the boat was hit, throwing her into the water with a splash.
Song Yunzhao’s boat also capsized from the impact.
Helan Yun: …
She couldn’t escape being soaked today.
Song Yunzhao instructed the boatwoman to rescue Helan Yun while she swam towards Song Qinghan. Passing by Zhao Xiaoyu, she kicked her towards Helan Yun.
Zhao Xiaoyu, struggling in the water, barely registered the kick.
Song Yunzhao noticed that Song Qinghan’s boat didn’t have a boatwoman. Although Zhao Xiaoyu lacked sense, she didn’t deserve to drown.
As for Song Qinghan, she was a swimmer.
Song Yunzhao reached Song Qinghan just as she surfaced, pulling her under and engaging in a struggle.
Caught off guard, Song Qinghan swallowed water and quickly tried to break free, but Song Yunzhao held her tightly, dragging her down.
Addicted to harming others, aren’t you?
Song Yunzhao wanted to give Song Qinghan a taste of her own medicine.
Although Song Qinghan could swim, she wasn’t as skilled as Song Yunzhao, who had trained with a professional coach and held a diving certificate, excelling at holding her breath.
Song Qinghan desperately tried to reach the surface, but Song Yunzhao would momentarily release her grip, only to drag her back down just before she surfaced.
After several attempts, Song Qinghan grew exhausted, her eyes filled with fear.
Song Yunzhao scoffed. How dare you try to harm others with such little courage?
Seeing that Song Qinghan was about to run out of breath, Song Yunzhao pulled her to the surface. As soon as they emerged, someone shouted, “They’re up! Save them!”
Surprised by the crowd that had gathered so quickly, Song Yunzhao pretended to be exhausted, dragging Song Qinghan towards the shore.
Helan Yun urgently shouted, “Song Yunzhao, let go! Don’t risk your life just to save her!”
At that moment, Song Yunzhao felt that Helan Yun’s words were heavenly, securing her spot on the list of saviors. She vigorously shook her head in refusal and continued pulling Song Qinghan.
Just as a few boatwomen were about to reach them, Song Yunzhao, feigning exhaustion, pushed Song Qinghan towards them and let herself sink.
“Song Yunzhao!”
Underwater, she could still hear Helan Yun’s loud voice.
Ah, apologies, County Princess. She was determined to win an Oscar, and with so many witnesses, how could she not perform a convincing act of ‘sisterly affection’?
When Song Qinghan accused her later, who would believe it?
Perfect.
Helan Yun, anxious, stomped her foot on the shore, urging the rescuers. The matrons quickly climbed into boats, heading towards Song Yunzhao.
Han Jingyi wanted to follow, but Qin Xiyue instinctively held her back, “Miss Han, where are you going?”
Han Jingyi paused, realizing she couldn’t swim well and would only add to the chaos. She stopped, worriedly saying, “I wonder if Miss Song will be alright.”
Though she spoke of concern, her mind was tangled with confusion over Helan Yun’s earlier remark about seeking justice. How did it come to this?
She didn’t share these thoughts with Qin Xiyue, her worried eyes were fixed on the water.
Lu Zhixue scoffed, “What’s to worry about? With so many people rescuing her, she won’t be left behind. She’s probably just pretending.”
Frowning, Han Jingyi replied, “Miss Lu, how can you say that? This is a matter of life and death.”
Annoyed by Han Jingyi’s retort, Lu Zhixue snapped back, “What did I say wrong? Song Yunzhao and Song Qinghan never got along. Who’d believe she’s saving her now?”
“You… Family disputes don’t mean you ignore life-threatening situations!” Han Jingyi’s face flushed with anger, surprised at Lu Zhixue’s harshness.
“Enough, stop arguing. Look, Miss Song is being rescued,” Qin Xiyue interrupted, “Let’s go check on her.”
Han Jingyi, with a grim face, started walking. Lu Zhixue, her face dark with anger, followed reluctantly. Qin Xiyue said, “Miss Han is just concerned about Miss Song’s safety. I understand your point, but with lives at stake, it’s better not to jump to conclusions. Let’s see how they are first.”
Reluctantly, Lu Zhixue fell silent, still convinced Song Yunzhao was acting.
Song Yunzhao was pulled from the water, genuinely choking on water, her head buzzing with pain, surrounded by chatter that felt like hundreds of voices.
“Take her to the side hall and wrap her in blankets.”
“Move aside, stop talking, it’s too noisy,” Helan Yun shouted, having the servants place Song Yunzhao on a soft sedan chair.
The surrounding noise suddenly quieted down. Helan Yun anxiously looked at Song Yunzhao and asked, “Song Yunzhao, are you alright?”
Song Yunzhao slowly opened her eyes and shook her head weakly, “I’m fine, County Princess.”
“The physician is here, make way,” Song Yexi shouted from outside, unable to get through.
Matron Zhang quickly ordered the servants to carry the soft sedan chair, taking the drenched people to the side hall and finding the physician to accompany them.
The other court ladies exchanged looks and then followed, wanting to know what had happened.
After changing into dry clothes, Song Yunzhao, Helan Yun, Han Jingyi, Miss Luo, Song Qinghan, and Zhao Xiaoyu sat in a row. The physician had them drink ginger soup, the spicy taste instantly clearedSong Yunzhao’s mind.
Song Yunzhao turned and met Song Qinghan’s sinister gaze, responding with a broad smile.
Song Qinghan struggled to maintain her expression, while Zhao Xiaoyu said, “I was so scared, I thought we were going to drown today. Qinghan, I’m still frightened…”
Zhao Xiaoyu looked pale. Their boat had collided with Han Jingyi’s boat, which then hit Song Yunzhao’s boat. She had been confused and didn’t understand how it happened.
Frightened out of her wits, Song Qinghan had assured her that no one had seen them and that hiding would avoid detection. Just when she thought they had escaped, their boat was rammed again—by Song Yunzhao.
Zhao Xiaoyu, while not the brightest, wasn’t completely stupid. Could it all be a coincidence?
She worried that Song Yunzhao knew they were responsible, so her fear grew.
Irritated, Song Qinghan heard Zhao Xiaoyu’s muttering. Though whispered, what if someone overheard?
She sternly said, “Stop talking. We don’t know anything if anyone asks.”
Zhao Xiaoyu, now fully alert, quickly nodded, but her heart raced. This was her first time doing something like this; how could she not be terrified?
Song Yunzhao observed the exchange, noting Zhao Xiaoyu’s nervousness, and inwardly scoffed. With such weak nerves, they dared to scheme.
After the physician examined them and found no serious issues, Matron Zhang began questioning them.
Song Yunzhao quickly answered, “Matron, the County Princess and I were enjoying the scenery in the lotus field when Miss Han’s boat collided with ours, capsizing it. Miss Han said their boat was hit by another boat, causing the collision. We fell into the water, and since neither the County Princess nor Miss Han could swim well, it was a near miss. I wanted to know who hit us, so I pursued them…”
It was rare for Song Yunzhao to catch Song Qinghan red-handed. With Zhao Xiaoyu as the weak link, she hoped to get them expelled from the palace. The thought of how furious Cai Shi would be made her happy.
Song Qinghan, like a hidden viper, needed to be removed. Being merciful would only leave a hidden danger, which would not be kind, but stupid.
The collision marks on Song Qinghan’s boat were clear. When Song Yunzhao hit their boat, she deliberately avoided the previous impact spot. She explained everything clearly, emphasizing that her intent was to seek justice and that her haste led to the collision.
“After the boats capsized, I immediately went to rescue people. Miss Zhao was nearly drowning, so I pushed her towards the boatwoman first and then went to save Song Qinghan. Although I suspected Song Qinghan’s boat hit Miss Han’s, I wanted the matrons to investigate. Seeing her fall into the water, I saved her. But I exhausted myself, and if it weren’t for the matrons arriving quickly, who knows what might have happened…” Song Yunzhao’s eyes reddened, her voice choking with emotion.
Helan Yun patted her back, “I know you and Song Qinghan don’t get along. I’ve heard how Third Madam favors her eldest daughter and treats you harshly. You’re too kind, saving her even now. If she caused the collision, she must face the consequences.”
Song Qinghan’s heart skipped a beat, and Zhao Xiaoyu beside her was so frightened she barely dared to breathe.
“Yunzhao, you say we caused the collision, but do you have evidence? I know you’ve always been dissatisfied with me, but you can’t frame me like this,” Song Qinghan retorted. “In the water, you weren’t saving me; you were dragging me down to drown me.”
Song Yunzhao had expected this response. She smirked internally and replied, “In front of so many witnesses, would I dare harm you? Would I risk my life? If anyone saw, the matrons would expel me immediately. How could I be so foolish?”
Song Qinghan was taken aback. No wonder Song Yunzhao had kept pulling her underwater. She was afraid of being seen!
Remembering what Song Yunzhao did once they surfaced, Song Qinghan’s vision darkened. It was all planned from the start!
Ignoring Song Qinghan’s outburst, Song Yunzhao addressed the matrons, “Matron, there was another lady, Miss Zhao, on Song Qinghan’s boat. I also saw collision marks on their boat. These can be verified. If I’m lying, I’m willing to accept punishment. I ask the matrons to uphold justice. We were thrown into the water today; who knows what dangers await next time?”
Song Qinghan panicked. Zhao Xiaoyu… She shouldn’t have brought her along.
Remembering Zhao Xiaoyu’s earlier fear, Song Qinghan felt faint, wishing she could just pass out.
“Miss Zhao, could you explain what happened?” Matron Zhang said sternly. She had observed Miss Zhao’s nervous demeanor earlier.
Zhao Xiaoyu froze, her eyes darting around, lips trembling but unable to speak.
Suddenly, Song Qinghan stood up, her eyes reddened, and choked out, “Miss Zhao, I’m sorry. I wanted to cover for you, but… I can’t.”
Zhao Xiaoyu, bewildered, stared at Song Qinghan, “Miss Song, what… what are you saying?”
Song Qinghan, with a resolute expression, said to the matrons, “Matrons, it is true that our boat caused the collision. My sister had a quarrel with Miss Zhao, and Miss Zhao felt that my sister was too aggressive. She wanted to seek justice…”
Zhao Xiaoyu was stunned, her eyes wide and mouth agape, unable to speak.
She harmed Song Yunzhao?
It was clear now. She had been framed by Song Qinghan!
Song Yunzhao had anticipated that Song Qinghan would use Zhao Xiaoyu as a scapegoat, but seeing it happen still disgusted her. She quickly formulated a plan.
“Song Qinghan, you say Miss Zhao resented me and that we quarreled, but I don’t recall any dispute with her. If there was a quarrel, it was because Miss Zhao spoke on your behalf, wasn’t it?”
Song Yunzhao wasn’t going to let Song Qinghan off the hook. She then turned to Zhao Xiaoyu, “Miss Zhao, that quarrel was long ago. Do you really still hold a grudge?”
Hearing Song Yunzhao’s words, a moment of clarity came to Zhao Xiaoyu’s confused mind. She quickly said, “No, I bear no grudge against you.”
Though not very bright, she knew she couldn’t let her reputation be tarnished. Otherwise, her life would be ruined. She now hated Song Qinghan.
Thinking clearly, she suddenly pointed at Miss Luo, “Matron, I know something else. Song Qinghan bribed Miss Luo to ride with Miss Han and lead Miss Han’s boat to follow Song Yunzhao’s. If you don’t believe me, question Miss Luo.”
Miss Luo had been tense, and upon hearing Zhao Xiaoyu expose her, she trembled, spilling her bowl of ginger soup.
Han Jingyi couldn’t believe her ears. She stared at Miss Luo, “Is what Miss Zhao said true? No wonder we weren’t close before, yet you insisted on boating with me today. You had ulterior motives!”
Han Jingyi was furious, realizing she was being used to target Song Yunzhao.
Did they think she was a fool?
Or too dumb and easy to use?
Usually calm, Han Jingyi was now livid.
“Matron, it was indeed Luo Xiuying who approached me to boat together today. On the lake, it was Luo Xiuying who directed the boatwoman on where to go. The boatwoman can testify. I wouldn’t lie,” Han Jingyi said, trembling with anger but explaining everything clearly.
Matron Zhang and Matron Yin exchanged glances but hadn’t yet spoken when Matron Su, her eyes darting around, said, “Miss Song, this matter involves too many people. It might not be easy to conclude immediately. We should investigate further.”
Song Yunzhao, familiar with Su Momo, knew she was trying to delay. With clear evidence, questioning Luo Xiuying and Zhao Xiaoyu should settle it. Why delay?
She couldn’t allow this delay. Who knew what the outcome might be if they dragged it out?
“Matron, this matter is serious. Delaying only allows more room for confusion. A prompt investigation will reveal the truth. As Han Jingyi said, the boatwoman can testify. Why not question her and resolve this swiftly?” Song Yunzhao asserted firmly.
Seeing her determination, Matron Zhang nodded. “Very well, we will question the boatwoman immediately.”
