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Chapter 41
The cold plum blossoms scattered their fragrance. Though it was nearing noon, what should be the warmest time of day, the atmosphere in Rongcui Hall was especially oppressive.
Under the Emperor's gaze, Consort Chen felt panic rise in her heart. But having spent so many years in the palace, she could at least maintain appearances. Doubt and confusion hung on her brows and eyes, making her appear particularly bewildered and innocent.
The Empress vaguely sensed something amiss. She inconspicuously glanced at Consort Chen before raising her hand to pinch her brow, seemingly somewhat weary:
"What on earth happened on what should be a good family visit day?"
As the words fell, only a "thwack" sound was heard.
Everyone's gazes followed. A finely-crafted sachet had been thrown down, landing precisely at Consort Chen's feet. Even though it was evidence, it was still Mother's personal belonging. Gu Han's expression was somewhat strange, she nearly stepped forward to pick up the sachet.
Before handing the sachet to the Emperor, Gu Han had checked it. This sachet bore no marks that could represent Mother's identity. Catching sight of Consort Chen's dramatically changed expression, to achieve her goal, Gu Han chose to turn a blind eye.
The Empress fell silent, quite surprised.
The Emperor had never liked managing harem affairs, but today the Emperor clearly wanted to personally intervene in this matter. She was happy to have the leisure.
Lu Yu lifted his eyelids, sweeping a glance around the hall. Any consort whose eyes met his hurriedly lowered their heads, not daring to meet his gaze. Lu Yu asked very calmly:
"Bringing harem rivalries before court officials' female relatives, don't you find this shameful and disgraceful?"
Everyone knew the saying that family shame should not be publicized. Even though the harem involved many complexities, harem struggles could still be called family shame.
A cold, clear statement without emotion, yet it made a crowd of consorts feel awkward. Those with awareness had already heard the Emperor's implication. In an instant, everyone in the great hall fell silent as cicadas.
Gu Han was no exception.
The sachet lay in place. The Emperor's voice, indifferent to the point of being emotionless, rang through the hall:
"Plotting to harm an imperial heir, implicating two first-rank Imperial Ladies, is there anything you don't dare to do?"
The weight of the crimes in these words made everyone's breathing catch. The next moment, they all immediately knelt. Liu An wiped away cold sweat, stealing a glance at the Emperor's seemingly calm expression, sighing inwardly.
Actually, having followed the Emperor so long, Liu An had some understanding of him.
But this understanding wasn't enough to let him know what the Emperor cared about most. However, imperial reputation and imperial heirs, these two things were absolutely the Emperor's bottom line. And today, whoever had schemed had clearly violated both bottom lines.
That sachet remained at Consort Chen's feet, making her unable to control her wild thoughts. Was the Emperor's action intentional or unintentional?
Consort Chen didn't dare take it lightly. Feeling guilty, she immediately frowned, wanting to distance herself from that sachet. But before she could move, she heard the Emperor ask her:
"Who does Consort Chen think did this today?"
Consort Chen's entire body stiffened. She pulled at the corner of her mouth, saying hoarsely: "Your concubine doesn't know."
Actually, this question from Lu Yu also confused Gu Han. She couldn't help looking up at the Emperor. Now, with only her one-sided testimony and not even any conclusive evidence, the Emperor truly suspected Consort Chen?
Gu Han couldn't help wondering, at Changchun Pavilion, had she accused Consort Chen?
Getting the answer, she hadn't.
She couldn't do something so foolish as to wildly accuse others without evidence.
Gu Han lowered her eyelids, not knowing what emotion to feel. The Emperor hadn't covered for Consort Chen because of the First Prince, she breathed a sigh of relief, but inevitably also felt somewhat subtle.
She was certain that since she had sought out the Emperor, he had been with her the entire time. There had simply been no time to collect evidence. Without any evidence, the Emperor believed this matter was Consort Chen's doing.
So, did Consort Chen know her standing in the Emperor's heart?
"You don't know?"
Lu Yu countered with a question, forcing cold sweat to nearly break out on Consort Chen's forehead. If it were someone else suspecting her, Consort Chen could still cleverly argue her way out. But the one suspecting her was the Emperor. Consort Chen's heart sank to the bottom, panicking terribly, yet not daring to oppose the Emperor.
Lu Yu had never expected her to confess honestly. He raised his hand, pointing at Fangle being held down on the ground, saying only one simple word:
"Investigate."
Consort Chen lowered her head. But Gu Han discovered her expression showed no panic at all.
Gu Han couldn't help feeling the scene before her eyes seemed familiar, just like that day when medicine was planted in her hall, but in the end only He Xiuyi had taken the blame.
Consort Chen wasn't panicking because she had no fear, or rather, she had long had a plan. Even if the matter was exposed, it couldn't possibly be traced to her.
Gu Han's eyes grew slightly cold. With the matter implicating Mother, she couldn't help feeling somewhat vexed. Consort Chen was indeed foolish, but she had deep roots in the palace. How easy would it be to bring her down?
But to let her off so lightly, allowing others to take the blame, Gu Han was unwilling.
Lu Yu seemed somewhat impatient. He sat in his seat, his fingers tapping unhurriedly on the armrest. The dull sound weighed heavily on everyone's hearts in the hall.
Quite a few people looked toward Gu Han. Upon arrival, they had all received news that it was people from Changchun Pavilion who had first led the physician to Rongcui Hall. Therefore, the two first-rank Imperial Ladies the Emperor spoke of should be the Marquis's wife and the Grand Tutor household's Old Madam.
Unfortunately, the Emperor had no intention of implicating the two Imperial Ladies. Even the Old Madam had been invited to a side hall before the Emperor spoke. So until now, they were still completely in the dark about what had happened.
Xiao Fangzi was kneeling at the hall entrance at some point. He silently mouthed several words to Gu Han. Gu Han stared at his lip movements. After a long while, she realized he was saying "Liu BÇŽolĂn."
A flash of inspiration struck Gu Han's mind. She suddenly remembered that when Liu Baolin had pushed her in the Imperial Garden, Consort Chen had been behind it.
But "unintentionally" offending a superior and plotting to harm an imperial heir were completely different matters. How did Liu BÇŽolĂn dare?
Or was Liu BÇŽolĂn so certain Consort Chen wouldn't get into trouble?
Gu Han didn't know. She almost imperceptibly glanced at Liu BÇŽolĂn. Sure enough, after Liu An withdrew, Liu BÇŽolĂn's body seemed to tremble. She quickly looked at Consort Chen.
Gu Han withdrew her gaze. She knelt on the ground. Where no one could see, the hand in her sleeve moved subtly. Xiao Fangzi received the hint and soon left silently.
Having inconspicuously done everything, Gu Han finally lowered her eyes, quietly listening to the commotion in the hall.
Fangle had acted covertly, adding much difficulty to Liu An's investigation. But as long as she had made moves, there would surely be traces. The people of Rongcui Hall, fearing their mistress would get into trouble and the Emperor would blame them, sold Fangle out completely in their babbling:
"Fangle attended Mistress closely. By rights, she didn't need to labor much, yet every evening meal, no matter what, Fangle would personally go to relay it."
"When Gu Pin received favor, Sister Xia Qiao gave a thousand warnings not to tell Mistress, yet it was Fangle who let it slip!"
As this palace servant's words fell, someone immediately echoed: "Right, right! At the time, this servant found it strange. Although Fangle was usually lively, to be transferred to attend Mistress closely, she must know propriety. How could she, knowing Mistress needed to nurture her pregnancy, still provoke her?"
The charge of ill intentions was already firmly pinned on Fangle. Fangle was so angry her head spun. In the past, these servants had called her "sister" sweetly, hoping she would speak well of them before their mistress.
Gu Han listened for a long while. Apart from learning Fangle wasn't a good person, she hadn't heard any useful information. Perhaps knowing they were all speaking nonsense, someone quickly slapped their head:
"This servant remembers now!"
"The day before yesterday, after Fangle went to relay the evening meal, Mistress wanted silver fungus porridge. Sister Xia Qiao had this servant make a trip. By rights, Fangle should have been returning, but when this servant was almost at the Imperial Kitchen, she encountered Fangle who had also just arrived outside the Imperial Kitchen. At that time she seemed to be talking to someone. This servant found it strange, but Fangle is a second-rank palace maid, this servant didn't dare ask."
Of all the things the palace servants had said before, Fangle had only been angry and afraid. But now, her expression finally changed.
Gu Han looked toward the speaking palace servant. The day before yesterday, this was precisely when the Empress announced the family visit day. She just didn't know who the person that palace servant had seen talking to Fangle was.
But what surprised Gu Han was that the one questioning that palace servant wasn't the Emperor, nor the Empress, but Consort Shu, who since entering the hall had been unconcerned with everything. That day when Ah Li was thrown out of the palace, she had cried heartbrokenly. But now she had long since adjusted her emotions.
Consort Shu unhurriedly raised an eyebrow: "Did you see clearly who that person was?"
"This servant didn't recognize him, but this servant remembers his face. As long as I see this person, this servant will definitely recognize him!"
Gu Han had been observing Consort Chen and Liu BÇŽolĂn all along. Seeing Liu BÇŽolĂn's body tremble, she closed her eyes and took an almost imperceptible deep breath.
After Consort Shu asked that question, she said nothing more. The Empress glanced at the Emperor before speaking:
"Will you speak yourself, or shall we have her go identify the person?"
Fangle still insisted on not admitting anything. The Empress was too lazy to deal with her, directly ordering someone to take that palace maid to various palaces to identify people.
Half an hour later, Liu An and that palace servant returned almost simultaneously. The palace servant first knelt and said:
"This servant found him. That person is the Little Yuzi who attends Liu BÇŽolĂn!"
Liu BÇŽolĂn's expression changed dramatically: "Nonsense!"
The palace servant was startled, hurriedly saying:
"This servant doesn't dare speak falsely! This servant saw with her own eyes Fangle and Little Yuzi speaking in front of the Imperial Kitchen!"
Sensing the Emperor looking her way, Liu BÇŽolĂn's pressure increased sharply. Cold sweat broke out on her forehead. She defended herself:
"Your Majesty! Your concubine has no grudge against Miao Meiren. Why would I harm her?!"
At this moment, Gu Han lowered her eyelids, seemingly calmly adding: "When Liu BÇŽolĂn offended me in the Imperial Garden, she also said she had no grudge against me."
The same rhetoric used twice, didn't she find it tiresome?
Liu BÇŽolĂn was silenced. She looked up at the Emperor, sure enough seeing the Emperor's expression had grown colder.
Consort Shu glanced at Gu Han. She brushed her sleeve, supporting her chin, saying unhurriedly: "But Liu BÇŽolĂn isn't entirely wrong. You have no grudge against Miao MÄ›irĂ©n. Even if you were jealous of her, you probably wouldn't have the courage to plot against an imperial heir."
Liu BÇŽolĂn nodded repeatedly. Before she could feel grateful and relaxed, she heard Consort Shu's tone turn:
"So, this palace is very curious, where did you get such courage? Or rather, who lent you such courage?"
As she spoke, Consort Shu's eyes drifted lightly toward Consort Chen. Consort Chen immediately frowned: "What does Consort Shu mean by this?!"
She had already been made paranoid by the Emperor's earlier actions. Hearing Consort Shu's pointed words, she momentarily couldn't control her emotions and directly questioned her.
Consort Shu raised her eyebrows in surprise, covering her mouth as if puzzled:
"This palace only raised a speculation. Why is Consort Chen so eager to jump out?"
At the end of her words, she even lightly patted her chest, saying delicately: "Suddenly speaking so loudly, you simply frightened this concubine."
Consort Chen was thoroughly disgusted by her.
Seeing this, Gu Han took another look at Consort Shu. It had to be said, Consort Shu's behavior was indeed affected, but just looking at Consort Chen's appearance, one could see how frustrated she was. Gu Han's eyes couldn't help flashing with thoughtfulness.
Liu BÇŽolĂn below maintained a rigid expression, still crying and pleading:
"Your concubine knows nothing of this matter. How could anyone have instigated me?!"
Just as Liu BÇŽolĂn's words fell, Liu An, who had been silent since returning, finally spoke:
"Your Majesty, this servant found an unused box of safflower powder in Liu BÇŽolĂn's palace."
Liu Baolin was shocked. She looked up in disbelief, losing her voice: "Impossible?!"
She wasn't a fool. Even if she relied on Consort Chen, she couldn't possibly personally handle safflower. Therefore, there couldn't possibly be safflower in her palace!
Liu BÇŽolĂn realized something. Her face suddenly turned deathly pale.
Consort Chen had told her to shoulder the responsibility, but as long as there was no evidence, nothing would happen. Moreover, even if something went wrong, Consort Chen could protect her.
Liu BÇŽolĂn was a hundred times unwilling in her heart, but there was nothing she could do.
Who told her that from the moment she boarded Consort Chen's pirate ship, she was destined to be bound to Consort Chen? Once Consort Chen got into trouble, she wouldn't fare well either.
But now, safflower appearing in her hall, what did this represent?
Consort Chen had long decided to make her take this blame. Only this way could Consort Chen completely clear herself!
Actually, Consort Chen was also completely confused at this moment. She hadn't sent anyone to secretly frame Liu Baolin. She wasn't stupid, naturally she knew forcing people into desperation brought no benefits. But she was more composed than Liu BÇŽolĂn, showing no flaws on her face.
Precisely because of this, Liu BÇŽolĂn's heart kept sinking, increasingly certain it was Consort Chen's doing.
Besides Consort Chen, who else could know this plan?
Who else had such heavenly means to hide safflower in her hall without anyone knowing?
Consort Chen sensed things were going badly. She looked up at Liu BÇŽolĂn, shaking her head regretfully:
"How foolish! Plotting to harm an imperial heir is a crime that implicates nine generations. How could you do such a thing?!"
The four words "implicate nine generations" literally jolted Liu BÇŽolĂn awake. Meeting Consort Chen's eyes that concealed cold threats, she suddenly shivered. She moved her lips but her throat was blocked, she couldn't speak a word.
She understood Consort Chen's meaning. Plotting to harm an imperial heir, even implicating Imperial Ladies, damaging imperial face, under these seemingly conclusive circumstances, the Emperor couldn't possibly let her go, and might even implicate her family.
Consort Chen was telling her to admit this crime. She would plead on her behalf. Moreover, even if she told the truth, the Emperor might not believe it.
Consort Chen had a son. The Emperor would definitely consider her words.
This was a naked threat, yet Liu BÇŽolĂn had no choice but to comply.
If she had to blame someone, she could only blame herself for initially choosing to conspire with a tiger. She trembled with fear, her mind even going blank. She said hoarsely:
"It was your concubine who harbored jealousy and thus harmed Miao Měirén."
Gu Han coldly watched Consort Chen inconspicuously breathe a sigh of relief.
Her hand gripping the handkerchief tightened and loosened, loosened and tightened. Of course she could hear Consort Chen threatening Liu BÇŽolĂn. But what use was her hearing it?
Couldn't the Empress and Consort Shu hear it?
They all knew what Consort Chen was saying, but the Empress only lowered her eyes. Consort Shu, hearing Liu Baolin confess, only curled her lip with waning interest.
Gu Han glanced again toward the hall entrance. Xiao Fangzi hadn't returned yet. Just as Consort Chen had relaxed…
The next moment, a teacup was smashed against Consort Chen's forehead. Under severe pain and shock, Consort Chen couldn't help screaming. The teacup broke the skin. Blood flowed down her forehead, appearing terrifying. Consort Chen's eyes were obscured by a red mark. She fearfully covered her forehead, looking up at the Emperor in disbelief.
Not only her, everyone in the hall looked at the Emperor in shock.
Gu Han was no exception. She even pinched her handkerchief to cover her lips that had opened in surprise. That teacup had been thrown by the Emperor, without warning, startling everyone.
Lu Yu's voice was as cold as ice shards:
"Do you take me for dead?"
Gu Han had never seen the Emperor with such an expression. Under the oppression, even her breathing involuntarily shallowed. She glanced at the Empress and Consort Shu. Consort Shu's previously lazy kneeling posture had straightened at some point. Clearly, they were all very shocked by the Emperor's action.
Consort Chen covered her cheek, her body faintly trembling. She was still resisting:
"Your Majesty, why do you say this?!"
Lu Yu rose from his seat, step by step approaching Consort Chen, looking down at her wretched appearance. He truly couldn't understand why Consort Chen never learned her lesson.
How much time had passed since the last time Consort Chen had tearfully admitted fault?
She dared to use the same old trick?
Lu Yu didn't even want to waste words with her. He languidly lowered his eyes, each word cold and clear:
"Threatening a consort's nine generations before me, when did I not know this world had become the Chen family's to rule?"
Consort Chen's face turned deathly pale in a flash.
Gu Han's eyes flickered slightly. She noticed the Emperor's words mentioned the Chen family, not Consort Chen. Gu Han couldn't help recalling that before entering the palace, Father had mentioned the court situation to her. When speaking of the Chen family, Father had only snorted coldly, holding military power, not knowing propriety.
As the Son of Heaven, court officials below could be corrupt or upright, but the one taboo was overshadowing the master through merit.
Since the Emperor's ascension, the borders had been peaceful. Even though the Emperor deliberately elevated scholars' status, the Chen family still held military power. Combined with Consort Chen having a son, they still had high influence at court.
Father rarely mentioned the Chen family, extremely wary of the topic.
But putting herself in the Emperor's position, Gu Han imagined he must also find the Chen family very disagreeable.
Just like the Empress and Consort Shu, even though the Empress managed the harem, she still greatly disliked the favored Consort Shu. This was the same principle.
Just one brief statement, but Gu Han guessed the Emperor had long been dissatisfied with the Chen family.
Consort Chen was nearly crushed by such a heavy accusation. When she came to her senses, she cried out in terror:
"Your Majesty! Your concubine wouldn't dare! The Chen family also wouldn't dare harbor any disloyal intentions!"
She wiped away tears, still wanting to struggle: "This matter has nothing to do with your concubine. Why would your concubine threaten her? Your concubine is wronged!"
Liu BÇŽolĂn Baolin had long been stunned by this turn of events. Seeing Consort Chen's wretched state, her eyes also showed some change. Just at this moment, a palace servant ran in, saying something in Liu An's ear.
Liu An's expression changed. He instinctively glanced at Consort Chen.
Consort Shu seemed to see something from the Emperor's actions. She was first to speak:
"Consort Chen's words are mistaken. Even if Liu BÇŽolĂn confessed, it doesn't necessarily mean she truly did it."
Consort Chen gritted her teeth looking at Consort Shu: "What do you mean?"
Consort Shu shrugged, seeming very puzzled, then turned to look at the Emperor:
"Allow your concubine to speak some unpleasant words. This Liu BÇŽolĂn is merely an unfavored consort, low in rank and without influence. What ability does she have to obtain a box of safflower?"
"Miao MÄ›irĂ©n is pregnant. Unless the Imperial Medical Bureau didn't want their heads, they wouldn't dare give such a large amount of safflower to Liu BÇŽolĂn. As for purchasing from outside the palace, your concubine remembers Liu BÇŽolĂn is the legitimate daughter of Que County's magistrate. Presumably the Liu family also doesn't have the ability to send silver into the palace for Liu BÇŽolĂn."
"Your concubine is curious, people die for wealth. For Liu BÇŽolĂn to move those below to take risks, there must be sufficient benefits. But Liu BÇŽolĂn herself seems to lack the financial resources to support this."
Consort Shu's words were reasonable and well-founded. Consort Chen couldn't even refute them.
Gu Han listened, pressing her lips together slightly. She recalled Consort Shu's earlier languid silence. Consort Shu clearly knew something was wrong, yet hadn't spoken earlier, obviously thinking it useless to speak.
Now she was bringing up these issues because of the Emperor's prior actions.
Gu Han's tongue pressed against her lips, as if tasting bitterness. There were many clever people in this palace, but often they needed to play dumb. The truth only mattered when someone wanted to investigate clearly.
Liu An stepped forward timely: "Your Majesty, a palace servant just reported seeing Jiachun from Xianleng Palace visiting Suiyue Palace."
Suiyue Palace was where Qiu BÇŽolĂn and Liu BÇŽolĂn resided.
At the same time, Gu Han finally saw Xiao Fangzi appear at the hall entrance, drenched in sweat.
Jiachun closed her eyes, dejectedly lowering her head. But Consort Chen still wouldn't confess. Her forehead wound wasn't deep. The dried blood mark on her face appeared quite terrifying. She struggled and shouted:
"Your Majesty, trust your concubine! Someone is framing your concubine!"
Lu Yu looked at her coldly: "Then you tell me—who is framing you?"
Consort Chen instinctively looked at Consort Shu:
"It must be her! It must be Consort Shu! Your Majesty, you know, Consort Shu has always harbored hatred toward your concubine!"
As the words fell, Consort Shu scoffed. Still kneeling on the ground, she nearly bent over with laughter. She raised her hand to wipe tears of mirth from the corners of her eyes. She stared directly at Consort Chen, sarcasm hanging at the corners of her lips:
"What is Consort Chen saying? Why would this palace harm the imperial heir in Miao MÄ›irĂ©n's womb for no reason? Could Consort Chen have forgotten that back at the princely manor, due to Consort Chen's momentary carelessness, this palace completely lost the chance to have children?”
Consort Shu spoke these words with a smile, completely unconcerned about how these words were like a thunderbolt to the imperial consorts.
Gu Han had already been dazed by the hall's twists and turns today.
Lost the chance to have children?
Consort Shu couldn't get pregnant?!
Very few people knew this information. For a moment, countless people in the hall looked at Consort Shu in shock.
A flash of realization crossed Gu Han's eyes. No wonder that day when the Empress Dowager decreed Ah Li be expelled from the palace, Consort Shu had been so heartbroken. Gu Han had heard of people placing emotions on objects. Presumably, Consort Shu had also raised that cat as a child, which was why she had invested so much emotion.
Lu Yu's eyes were downcast. No one knew what he was thinking.
Consort Chen's entire body stiffened. Her eyes dodged, not daring to meet Consort Shu's gaze. The smile on Consort Shu's face had disappeared at some point. She stared expressionlessly at Consort Chen, her words resounding:
"If there is one person in this palace who would not harm the imperial heir in Miao Měirén's womb, it would only be this palace!"
No one hoped more than she that Miao Měirén would give birth to a prince and pull Consort Chen down from her unique position
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Chapter 41
The cold plum blossoms scattered their fragrance. Though it was nearing noon, what should be the warmest time of day, the atmosphere in Rongcui Hall was especially oppressive.
Under the Emperor's gaze, Consort Chen felt panic rise in her heart. But having spent so many years in the palace, she could at least maintain appearances. Doubt and confusion hung on her brows and eyes, making her appear particularly bewildered and innocent.
The Empress vaguely sensed something amiss. She inconspicuously glanced at Consort Chen before raising her hand to pinch her brow, seemingly somewhat weary:
"What on earth happened on what should be a good family visit day?"
As the words fell, only a "thwack" sound was heard.
Everyone's gazes followed. A finely-crafted sachet had been thrown down, landing precisely at Consort Chen's feet. Even though it was evidence, it was still Mother's personal belonging. Gu Han's expression was somewhat strange, she nearly stepped forward to pick up the sachet.
Before handing the sachet to the Emperor, Gu Han had checked it. This sachet bore no marks that could represent Mother's identity. Catching sight of Consort Chen's dramatically changed expression, to achieve her goal, Gu Han chose to turn a blind eye.
The Empress fell silent, quite surprised.
The Emperor had never liked managing harem affairs, but today the Emperor clearly wanted to personally intervene in this matter. She was happy to have the leisure.
Lu Yu lifted his eyelids, sweeping a glance around the hall. Any consort whose eyes met his hurriedly lowered their heads, not daring to meet his gaze. Lu Yu asked very calmly:
"Bringing harem rivalries before court officials' female relatives, don't you find this shameful and disgraceful?"
Everyone knew the saying that family shame should not be publicized. Even though the harem involved many complexities, harem struggles could still be called family shame.
A cold, clear statement without emotion, yet it made a crowd of consorts feel awkward. Those with awareness had already heard the Emperor's implication. In an instant, everyone in the great hall fell silent as cicadas.
Gu Han was no exception.
The sachet lay in place. The Emperor's voice, indifferent to the point of being emotionless, rang through the hall:
"Plotting to harm an imperial heir, implicating two first-rank Imperial Ladies, is there anything you don't dare to do?"
The weight of the crimes in these words made everyone's breathing catch. The next moment, they all immediately knelt. Liu An wiped away cold sweat, stealing a glance at the Emperor's seemingly calm expression, sighing inwardly.
Actually, having followed the Emperor so long, Liu An had some understanding of him.
But this understanding wasn't enough to let him know what the Emperor cared about most. However, imperial reputation and imperial heirs, these two things were absolutely the Emperor's bottom line. And today, whoever had schemed had clearly violated both bottom lines.
That sachet remained at Consort Chen's feet, making her unable to control her wild thoughts. Was the Emperor's action intentional or unintentional?
Consort Chen didn't dare take it lightly. Feeling guilty, she immediately frowned, wanting to distance herself from that sachet. But before she could move, she heard the Emperor ask her:
"Who does Consort Chen think did this today?"
Consort Chen's entire body stiffened. She pulled at the corner of her mouth, saying hoarsely: "Your concubine doesn't know."
Actually, this question from Lu Yu also confused Gu Han. She couldn't help looking up at the Emperor. Now, with only her one-sided testimony and not even any conclusive evidence, the Emperor truly suspected Consort Chen?
Gu Han couldn't help wondering, at Changchun Pavilion, had she accused Consort Chen?
Getting the answer, she hadn't.
She couldn't do something so foolish as to wildly accuse others without evidence.
Gu Han lowered her eyelids, not knowing what emotion to feel. The Emperor hadn't covered for Consort Chen because of the First Prince, she breathed a sigh of relief, but inevitably also felt somewhat subtle.
She was certain that since she had sought out the Emperor, he had been with her the entire time. There had simply been no time to collect evidence. Without any evidence, the Emperor believed this matter was Consort Chen's doing.
So, did Consort Chen know her standing in the Emperor's heart?
"You don't know?"
Lu Yu countered with a question, forcing cold sweat to nearly break out on Consort Chen's forehead. If it were someone else suspecting her, Consort Chen could still cleverly argue her way out. But the one suspecting her was the Emperor. Consort Chen's heart sank to the bottom, panicking terribly, yet not daring to oppose the Emperor.
Lu Yu had never expected her to confess honestly. He raised his hand, pointing at Fangle being held down on the ground, saying only one simple word:
"Investigate."
Consort Chen lowered her head. But Gu Han discovered her expression showed no panic at all.
Gu Han couldn't help feeling the scene before her eyes seemed familiar, just like that day when medicine was planted in her hall, but in the end only He Xiuyi had taken the blame.
Consort Chen wasn't panicking because she had no fear, or rather, she had long had a plan. Even if the matter was exposed, it couldn't possibly be traced to her.
Gu Han's eyes grew slightly cold. With the matter implicating Mother, she couldn't help feeling somewhat vexed. Consort Chen was indeed foolish, but she had deep roots in the palace. How easy would it be to bring her down?
But to let her off so lightly, allowing others to take the blame, Gu Han was unwilling.
Lu Yu seemed somewhat impatient. He sat in his seat, his fingers tapping unhurriedly on the armrest. The dull sound weighed heavily on everyone's hearts in the hall.
Quite a few people looked toward Gu Han. Upon arrival, they had all received news that it was people from Changchun Pavilion who had first led the physician to Rongcui Hall. Therefore, the two first-rank Imperial Ladies the Emperor spoke of should be the Marquis's wife and the Grand Tutor household's Old Madam.
Unfortunately, the Emperor had no intention of implicating the two Imperial Ladies. Even the Old Madam had been invited to a side hall before the Emperor spoke. So until now, they were still completely in the dark about what had happened.
Xiao Fangzi was kneeling at the hall entrance at some point. He silently mouthed several words to Gu Han. Gu Han stared at his lip movements. After a long while, she realized he was saying "Liu BÇŽolĂn."
A flash of inspiration struck Gu Han's mind. She suddenly remembered that when Liu Baolin had pushed her in the Imperial Garden, Consort Chen had been behind it.
But "unintentionally" offending a superior and plotting to harm an imperial heir were completely different matters. How did Liu BÇŽolĂn dare?
Or was Liu BÇŽolĂn so certain Consort Chen wouldn't get into trouble?
Gu Han didn't know. She almost imperceptibly glanced at Liu BÇŽolĂn. Sure enough, after Liu An withdrew, Liu BÇŽolĂn's body seemed to tremble. She quickly looked at Consort Chen.
Gu Han withdrew her gaze. She knelt on the ground. Where no one could see, the hand in her sleeve moved subtly. Xiao Fangzi received the hint and soon left silently.
Having inconspicuously done everything, Gu Han finally lowered her eyes, quietly listening to the commotion in the hall.
Fangle had acted covertly, adding much difficulty to Liu An's investigation. But as long as she had made moves, there would surely be traces. The people of Rongcui Hall, fearing their mistress would get into trouble and the Emperor would blame them, sold Fangle out completely in their babbling:
"Fangle attended Mistress closely. By rights, she didn't need to labor much, yet every evening meal, no matter what, Fangle would personally go to relay it."
"When Gu Pin received favor, Sister Xia Qiao gave a thousand warnings not to tell Mistress, yet it was Fangle who let it slip!"
As this palace servant's words fell, someone immediately echoed: "Right, right! At the time, this servant found it strange. Although Fangle was usually lively, to be transferred to attend Mistress closely, she must know propriety. How could she, knowing Mistress needed to nurture her pregnancy, still provoke her?"
The charge of ill intentions was already firmly pinned on Fangle. Fangle was so angry her head spun. In the past, these servants had called her "sister" sweetly, hoping she would speak well of them before their mistress.
Gu Han listened for a long while. Apart from learning Fangle wasn't a good person, she hadn't heard any useful information. Perhaps knowing they were all speaking nonsense, someone quickly slapped their head:
"This servant remembers now!"
"The day before yesterday, after Fangle went to relay the evening meal, Mistress wanted silver fungus porridge. Sister Xia Qiao had this servant make a trip. By rights, Fangle should have been returning, but when this servant was almost at the Imperial Kitchen, she encountered Fangle who had also just arrived outside the Imperial Kitchen. At that time she seemed to be talking to someone. This servant found it strange, but Fangle is a second-rank palace maid, this servant didn't dare ask."
Of all the things the palace servants had said before, Fangle had only been angry and afraid. But now, her expression finally changed.
Gu Han looked toward the speaking palace servant. The day before yesterday, this was precisely when the Empress announced the family visit day. She just didn't know who the person that palace servant had seen talking to Fangle was.
But what surprised Gu Han was that the one questioning that palace servant wasn't the Emperor, nor the Empress, but Consort Shu, who since entering the hall had been unconcerned with everything. That day when Ah Li was thrown out of the palace, she had cried heartbrokenly. But now she had long since adjusted her emotions.
Consort Shu unhurriedly raised an eyebrow: "Did you see clearly who that person was?"
"This servant didn't recognize him, but this servant remembers his face. As long as I see this person, this servant will definitely recognize him!"
Gu Han had been observing Consort Chen and Liu BÇŽolĂn all along. Seeing Liu BÇŽolĂn's body tremble, she closed her eyes and took an almost imperceptible deep breath.
After Consort Shu asked that question, she said nothing more. The Empress glanced at the Emperor before speaking:
"Will you speak yourself, or shall we have her go identify the person?"
Fangle still insisted on not admitting anything. The Empress was too lazy to deal with her, directly ordering someone to take that palace maid to various palaces to identify people.
Half an hour later, Liu An and that palace servant returned almost simultaneously. The palace servant first knelt and said:
"This servant found him. That person is the Little Yuzi who attends Liu BÇŽolĂn!"
Liu BÇŽolĂn's expression changed dramatically: "Nonsense!"
The palace servant was startled, hurriedly saying:
"This servant doesn't dare speak falsely! This servant saw with her own eyes Fangle and Little Yuzi speaking in front of the Imperial Kitchen!"
Sensing the Emperor looking her way, Liu BÇŽolĂn's pressure increased sharply. Cold sweat broke out on her forehead. She defended herself:
"Your Majesty! Your concubine has no grudge against Miao Meiren. Why would I harm her?!"
At this moment, Gu Han lowered her eyelids, seemingly calmly adding: "When Liu BÇŽolĂn offended me in the Imperial Garden, she also said she had no grudge against me."
The same rhetoric used twice, didn't she find it tiresome?
Liu BÇŽolĂn was silenced. She looked up at the Emperor, sure enough seeing the Emperor's expression had grown colder.
Consort Shu glanced at Gu Han. She brushed her sleeve, supporting her chin, saying unhurriedly: "But Liu BÇŽolĂn isn't entirely wrong. You have no grudge against Miao MÄ›irĂ©n. Even if you were jealous of her, you probably wouldn't have the courage to plot against an imperial heir."
Liu BÇŽolĂn nodded repeatedly. Before she could feel grateful and relaxed, she heard Consort Shu's tone turn:
"So, this palace is very curious, where did you get such courage? Or rather, who lent you such courage?"
As she spoke, Consort Shu's eyes drifted lightly toward Consort Chen. Consort Chen immediately frowned: "What does Consort Shu mean by this?!"
She had already been made paranoid by the Emperor's earlier actions. Hearing Consort Shu's pointed words, she momentarily couldn't control her emotions and directly questioned her.
Consort Shu raised her eyebrows in surprise, covering her mouth as if puzzled:
"This palace only raised a speculation. Why is Consort Chen so eager to jump out?"
At the end of her words, she even lightly patted her chest, saying delicately: "Suddenly speaking so loudly, you simply frightened this concubine."
Consort Chen was thoroughly disgusted by her.
Seeing this, Gu Han took another look at Consort Shu. It had to be said, Consort Shu's behavior was indeed affected, but just looking at Consort Chen's appearance, one could see how frustrated she was. Gu Han's eyes couldn't help flashing with thoughtfulness.
Liu BÇŽolĂn below maintained a rigid expression, still crying and pleading:
"Your concubine knows nothing of this matter. How could anyone have instigated me?!"
Just as Liu BÇŽolĂn's words fell, Liu An, who had been silent since returning, finally spoke:
"Your Majesty, this servant found an unused box of safflower powder in Liu BÇŽolĂn's palace."
Liu Baolin was shocked. She looked up in disbelief, losing her voice: "Impossible?!"
She wasn't a fool. Even if she relied on Consort Chen, she couldn't possibly personally handle safflower. Therefore, there couldn't possibly be safflower in her palace!
Liu BÇŽolĂn realized something. Her face suddenly turned deathly pale.
Consort Chen had told her to shoulder the responsibility, but as long as there was no evidence, nothing would happen. Moreover, even if something went wrong, Consort Chen could protect her.
Liu BÇŽolĂn was a hundred times unwilling in her heart, but there was nothing she could do.
Who told her that from the moment she boarded Consort Chen's pirate ship, she was destined to be bound to Consort Chen? Once Consort Chen got into trouble, she wouldn't fare well either.
But now, safflower appearing in her hall, what did this represent?
Consort Chen had long decided to make her take this blame. Only this way could Consort Chen completely clear herself!
Actually, Consort Chen was also completely confused at this moment. She hadn't sent anyone to secretly frame Liu Baolin. She wasn't stupid, naturally she knew forcing people into desperation brought no benefits. But she was more composed than Liu BÇŽolĂn, showing no flaws on her face.
Precisely because of this, Liu BÇŽolĂn's heart kept sinking, increasingly certain it was Consort Chen's doing.
Besides Consort Chen, who else could know this plan?
Who else had such heavenly means to hide safflower in her hall without anyone knowing?
Consort Chen sensed things were going badly. She looked up at Liu BÇŽolĂn, shaking her head regretfully:
"How foolish! Plotting to harm an imperial heir is a crime that implicates nine generations. How could you do such a thing?!"
The four words "implicate nine generations" literally jolted Liu BÇŽolĂn awake. Meeting Consort Chen's eyes that concealed cold threats, she suddenly shivered. She moved her lips but her throat was blocked, she couldn't speak a word.
She understood Consort Chen's meaning. Plotting to harm an imperial heir, even implicating Imperial Ladies, damaging imperial face, under these seemingly conclusive circumstances, the Emperor couldn't possibly let her go, and might even implicate her family.
Consort Chen was telling her to admit this crime. She would plead on her behalf. Moreover, even if she told the truth, the Emperor might not believe it.
Consort Chen had a son. The Emperor would definitely consider her words.
This was a naked threat, yet Liu BÇŽolĂn had no choice but to comply.
If she had to blame someone, she could only blame herself for initially choosing to conspire with a tiger. She trembled with fear, her mind even going blank. She said hoarsely:
"It was your concubine who harbored jealousy and thus harmed Miao Měirén."
Gu Han coldly watched Consort Chen inconspicuously breathe a sigh of relief.
Her hand gripping the handkerchief tightened and loosened, loosened and tightened. Of course she could hear Consort Chen threatening Liu BÇŽolĂn. But what use was her hearing it?
Couldn't the Empress and Consort Shu hear it?
They all knew what Consort Chen was saying, but the Empress only lowered her eyes. Consort Shu, hearing Liu Baolin confess, only curled her lip with waning interest.
Gu Han glanced again toward the hall entrance. Xiao Fangzi hadn't returned yet. Just as Consort Chen had relaxed…
The next moment, a teacup was smashed against Consort Chen's forehead. Under severe pain and shock, Consort Chen couldn't help screaming. The teacup broke the skin. Blood flowed down her forehead, appearing terrifying. Consort Chen's eyes were obscured by a red mark. She fearfully covered her forehead, looking up at the Emperor in disbelief.
Not only her, everyone in the hall looked at the Emperor in shock.
Gu Han was no exception. She even pinched her handkerchief to cover her lips that had opened in surprise. That teacup had been thrown by the Emperor, without warning, startling everyone.
Lu Yu's voice was as cold as ice shards:
"Do you take me for dead?"
Gu Han had never seen the Emperor with such an expression. Under the oppression, even her breathing involuntarily shallowed. She glanced at the Empress and Consort Shu. Consort Shu's previously lazy kneeling posture had straightened at some point. Clearly, they were all very shocked by the Emperor's action.
Consort Chen covered her cheek, her body faintly trembling. She was still resisting:
"Your Majesty, why do you say this?!"
Lu Yu rose from his seat, step by step approaching Consort Chen, looking down at her wretched appearance. He truly couldn't understand why Consort Chen never learned her lesson.
How much time had passed since the last time Consort Chen had tearfully admitted fault?
She dared to use the same old trick?
Lu Yu didn't even want to waste words with her. He languidly lowered his eyes, each word cold and clear:
"Threatening a consort's nine generations before me, when did I not know this world had become the Chen family's to rule?"
Consort Chen's face turned deathly pale in a flash.
Gu Han's eyes flickered slightly. She noticed the Emperor's words mentioned the Chen family, not Consort Chen. Gu Han couldn't help recalling that before entering the palace, Father had mentioned the court situation to her. When speaking of the Chen family, Father had only snorted coldly, holding military power, not knowing propriety.
As the Son of Heaven, court officials below could be corrupt or upright, but the one taboo was overshadowing the master through merit.
Since the Emperor's ascension, the borders had been peaceful. Even though the Emperor deliberately elevated scholars' status, the Chen family still held military power. Combined with Consort Chen having a son, they still had high influence at court.
Father rarely mentioned the Chen family, extremely wary of the topic.
But putting herself in the Emperor's position, Gu Han imagined he must also find the Chen family very disagreeable.
Just like the Empress and Consort Shu, even though the Empress managed the harem, she still greatly disliked the favored Consort Shu. This was the same principle.
Just one brief statement, but Gu Han guessed the Emperor had long been dissatisfied with the Chen family.
Consort Chen was nearly crushed by such a heavy accusation. When she came to her senses, she cried out in terror:
"Your Majesty! Your concubine wouldn't dare! The Chen family also wouldn't dare harbor any disloyal intentions!"
She wiped away tears, still wanting to struggle: "This matter has nothing to do with your concubine. Why would your concubine threaten her? Your concubine is wronged!"
Liu BÇŽolĂn Baolin had long been stunned by this turn of events. Seeing Consort Chen's wretched state, her eyes also showed some change. Just at this moment, a palace servant ran in, saying something in Liu An's ear.
Liu An's expression changed. He instinctively glanced at Consort Chen.
Consort Shu seemed to see something from the Emperor's actions. She was first to speak:
"Consort Chen's words are mistaken. Even if Liu BÇŽolĂn confessed, it doesn't necessarily mean she truly did it."
Consort Chen gritted her teeth looking at Consort Shu: "What do you mean?"
Consort Shu shrugged, seeming very puzzled, then turned to look at the Emperor:
"Allow your concubine to speak some unpleasant words. This Liu BÇŽolĂn is merely an unfavored consort, low in rank and without influence. What ability does she have to obtain a box of safflower?"
"Miao MÄ›irĂ©n is pregnant. Unless the Imperial Medical Bureau didn't want their heads, they wouldn't dare give such a large amount of safflower to Liu BÇŽolĂn. As for purchasing from outside the palace, your concubine remembers Liu BÇŽolĂn is the legitimate daughter of Que County's magistrate. Presumably the Liu family also doesn't have the ability to send silver into the palace for Liu BÇŽolĂn."
"Your concubine is curious, people die for wealth. For Liu BÇŽolĂn to move those below to take risks, there must be sufficient benefits. But Liu BÇŽolĂn herself seems to lack the financial resources to support this."
Consort Shu's words were reasonable and well-founded. Consort Chen couldn't even refute them.
Gu Han listened, pressing her lips together slightly. She recalled Consort Shu's earlier languid silence. Consort Shu clearly knew something was wrong, yet hadn't spoken earlier, obviously thinking it useless to speak.
Now she was bringing up these issues because of the Emperor's prior actions.
Gu Han's tongue pressed against her lips, as if tasting bitterness. There were many clever people in this palace, but often they needed to play dumb. The truth only mattered when someone wanted to investigate clearly.
Liu An stepped forward timely: "Your Majesty, a palace servant just reported seeing Jiachun from Xianleng Palace visiting Suiyue Palace."
Suiyue Palace was where Qiu BÇŽolĂn and Liu BÇŽolĂn resided.
At the same time, Gu Han finally saw Xiao Fangzi appear at the hall entrance, drenched in sweat.
Jiachun closed her eyes, dejectedly lowering her head. But Consort Chen still wouldn't confess. Her forehead wound wasn't deep. The dried blood mark on her face appeared quite terrifying. She struggled and shouted:
"Your Majesty, trust your concubine! Someone is framing your concubine!"
Lu Yu looked at her coldly: "Then you tell me—who is framing you?"
Consort Chen instinctively looked at Consort Shu:
"It must be her! It must be Consort Shu! Your Majesty, you know, Consort Shu has always harbored hatred toward your concubine!"
As the words fell, Consort Shu scoffed. Still kneeling on the ground, she nearly bent over with laughter. She raised her hand to wipe tears of mirth from the corners of her eyes. She stared directly at Consort Chen, sarcasm hanging at the corners of her lips:
"What is Consort Chen saying? Why would this palace harm the imperial heir in Miao MÄ›irĂ©n's womb for no reason? Could Consort Chen have forgotten that back at the princely manor, due to Consort Chen's momentary carelessness, this palace completely lost the chance to have children?”
Consort Shu spoke these words with a smile, completely unconcerned about how these words were like a thunderbolt to the imperial consorts.
Gu Han had already been dazed by the hall's twists and turns today.
Lost the chance to have children?
Consort Shu couldn't get pregnant?!
Very few people knew this information. For a moment, countless people in the hall looked at Consort Shu in shock.
A flash of realization crossed Gu Han's eyes. No wonder that day when the Empress Dowager decreed Ah Li be expelled from the palace, Consort Shu had been so heartbroken. Gu Han had heard of people placing emotions on objects. Presumably, Consort Shu had also raised that cat as a child, which was why she had invested so much emotion.
Lu Yu's eyes were downcast. No one knew what he was thinking.
Consort Chen's entire body stiffened. Her eyes dodged, not daring to meet Consort Shu's gaze. The smile on Consort Shu's face had disappeared at some point. She stared expressionlessly at Consort Chen, her words resounding:
"If there is one person in this palace who would not harm the imperial heir in Miao Měirén's womb, it would only be this palace!"
No one hoped more than she that Miao Měirén would give birth to a prince and pull Consort Chen down from her unique position
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