How to Survive As a Villain

Chapter 31: You can’t frame the Male Lead.

Xiao Yuan returned to the imperial Palace from Jing Yang Palace, feeling anxious all over. He was worried that a canon fodder villain will make a move, and because of that, he wanted to look after Yan Heqing. Therefore, he asked Guard Yang, an excellent and efficient bodyguard, to guard Jing Yang Palace every day, fearing that accidents might happen.

Less than a week later, something really happened.

Xiao Yuan was having a meal at that time, but when he heard Yang Liuan’s report, he instantly rushed to Jing Yang Palace as soon as he put the bowl down.

This matter wasn’t big, but it wasn’t a small issue either.

A male concubine said that he saw Yan Heqing practicing the sword in the courtyard, and then went to the headmaster of Jing Yang Palace, Hong Xiu, to report it.

Jing Yang Palace had many rules and regulations, and practicing sword and martial arts has always been a taboo subject. First of all, the Emperor likes the soft and beautiful male concubines that know their place, which is to serve him in bed. Practicing the sword with his identity being the Prince of the Southern Yan Kingdom, I’m afraid that it will look like he wants to stab me to death.

At this time, Yan Heqing and the male concubine that reported him were kneeling at the courtyard of the headmaster of Jing Yang Palace. Hong Xiu was looking at them with complicated eyes and a hesitant expression.

Several slaves were exchanging gazes secretly, all of them wanting to watch the drama that will unfold.

According to Hong Xiu’s past temperament, if this matter resulted to be true, then what awaited Yang Heqing wasn’t just physical pain, but a broken hand or a disabled foot.

However, a few days ago, Xiao Yuan repeatedly told her about his plan on winning his heart was better than violence. In fact, Hong Xiu didn’t want to be hard with Yan Heqing, even if she planned on punish him with a whiplash.

But the thing got complicated, because the male concubine that made the report was known for having a loose tongue, since he’s extremely fond of gossiping!

Before Hong Xiu knew about the situation, the whole Jing Yang Palace had spread the gossip of Yan Heqing secretly practicing the sword. If the punishment consisted in a single whiplash, the authority of Hong Xiu will be questioned, and it will look like she’s protecting Yan Heqing so he can kill the Emperor in the near future.

Hong Xiu’s eyes turned back and forth between the two kneeling men on the ground, finally, she stared at the male concubine: “You said that Yan Heqing was secretly practicing the sword, but, do you have any evidence?”

The male concubine raised his head eagerly and said without hesitation: “This slave couldn’t sleep at night that day, so I got up early in the morning to enjoy the snow, unexpectedly I happened to see him practicing sword techniques. I’m aware that I shouldn’t speak without evidence, so the next day I called Qin Yu and the others to go with me secretly. As expected, he was practicing the sword again!”

Hong Xiu had a headache, and his name was Qin Yu. At that moment, Qin Yu knelt on the ground, he softened his voice and smiled mischievously: “Hong Xiu-jiejie*, I can testify that everything that was said truly happened. Besides, what is his purpose of practising the sword these days, if not to harm his Majesty?”

(T/N: *姐姐 jiě jie; older sister)

Hong Xiu nodded and summoned the other male concubines involved, and as expected, every single one of them said the same things.

The public opinion is powerful enough to melt metal, the defamation could destroy a man*. Yan Heqing was speechless.

(T/N: *众口铄金，积毁销骨 zhòng kǒu shuò jīn, jī huǐ xiāo gǔ (a proverb); the public clamor can obscure the actual truth/mass spreading of rumors can confuse right from wrong, rumors can get someone killed/when everybody speaks against a person, it makes them tired of life)

Hong Xiu then looked at Yan Heqing, and when she saw the indifference and lack of fear in him, she asked: “Don’t you have anything to say?”

Yan Heqing looked forward, his answer was complete silence.

The several male concubines kneeling on the ground exchanged gazes, a hidden smile adorning the corner of their mouths.

“Well then.” Hong Xiu nodded, “Someone sent him to…”

Before she could finish her commands, a panicked slave ran inside the courtyard: “His Majesty is coming!!!”

As soon as Xiao Yuan stepped into the courtyard, everyone present fell to their knees trembling. Xiao Yuan instantly looked at Yan Heqing, and breathed a sigh of relief.

Why are you kneeling again!! If you kneel one more time, you will take 10 years away from my lifetime!!

“Get up, all of you get up.” Xiao Yuan raised his hand.

Hong Xiu stood up and saluted Xiao Yuan: “Your Majesty, about this…”

“Yang Liuan told me everything.” Xiao Yuan nodded, turned around and walked towards Yan Heqing, smiling amicably he asked him: “Are you really practicing the sword?”

Yan Heqing hadn’t answered yet when he was interrupted by the male concubine who reported him: “Your Majesty! It’s true, if you don’t believe me, you can ask…”

All of a sudden, the male concubine got slapped by Hong Xiu, silencing him immediately.

Xiao Yuan waited patiently for Yan Heqing’s answer. Yan Heqing looked at him with eyes as calm as a lake, and nodded slowly.

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