CHAPTER 122: CHAPTER 121: UNDERMINING ME

Lady Hu’s eyes gradually cleared, revealing her determination. "Deal!"

"Good!"

A huge weight lifted from her heart; the Empress’s face was filled with relief and elation! "Rest assured, the Noble Consort’s child was not lost. Your crime is not that severe. If I do my utmost to protect you, the Emperor will not refuse me this small consideration!"

"However, you will have to endure hardship in the Cold Palace. That is all I can do for you!"

Honored Lady Hu knelt and kowtowed.

"To have my life spared is already a great fortune. This servant thanks the Empress!"

The Empress, her face full of gratitude, personally stooped down to help her up.

"I should be thanking you!"

As she bent down, the Empress whispered in her ear, "Don’t worry, sister. As for the Cold Palace, I will have someone make arrangements for you!"

"You have been with me for so long; I will not let you suffer!"

Hearing this, Honored Lady Hu immediately felt a wave of relief.

When she stood up again, she was much more resigned and willing.

With the Empress’s assurance, she quickly confessed all the evidence she possessed.

It turned out that when the Empress had instructed her to harm the Noble Consort, she had been contemplating how to kill two birds with one stone: not only to complete the task assigned by the Empress but also to frame Lady Xia. This way, Lady Xia would fall out of favor and be trampled underfoot by her.

However, despite observing for a long time, she couldn’t find any opportunity.

After all, Lady Xia lived in the east, Noble Consort Shih in the west, and Noble Consort Shih didn’t need to pay her respects. Thus, the two hardly ever met and had no interaction whatsoever.

Attempt something in the Imperial Kitchen? The Imperial Kitchen was tightly controlled by He Changshou. She had tried several times, but lacking connections, she couldn’t make a move!

Just as she was anxiously pacing, the needlework room delivered the summer clothes. Moreover, the one who delivered the clothes was a mute Palace Maid.

HEH HEH... A mute? That’s perfect!

So, she set her sights on Xiao Hui.

「Jiaofang Hall.」

The Empress questioned Honored Lady Hu in the presence of the Emperor and all the Concubines.

"’Then how did you know Lady Xia would reward Xiao Hui?! Without that purse, how could she frame Lady Xia?’ the Empress asked."

Honored Lady Hu gave a cold laugh. "’Lady Xia may not have much money, but she is courteous to her Servants. Who in the palace doesn’t know that? If she can’t give much, she gives a little; if not food, then drink.’"

"’It’s common knowledge among all the Palace Attendants who have visited Qingya Residence!’"

As soon as her words fell, Xia Ruqing felt an icy gaze land on her.

She didn’t need to think to know it was Zhao Junyao.

So, Xia Ruqing put on an adorable, endearing expression for him.

Zhao Junyao watched her, his temples throbbing. No wonder she spent money so quickly. He had worried she wasn’t eating well, so he had specially given her a box of Silver Taels. This was to prevent her from craving something the Imperial Kitchen wouldn’t prepare for her.

Yet, to think she spent it all in less than half a year!

It turned out... she was just putting on a brave front, pretending to be wealthy!

HUMPH!

He had never been so generous even to the Servants of Zhaochen Palace!

Li Shengan stood behind Zhao Junyao, head bowed, using his horsetail whisk to cover his arm, silently tucking the purse gifted by Lady Xia into his sleeve.

In truth, he was a little reluctant.

That purse was quite exquisite; Lady Zi Yue’s craftsmanship was truly remarkable.

Others offered him pure gold and silver. Whether he dared to accept them was one thing; besides, he didn’t lack such things.

Having no children or grandchildren, he had no need for vast wealth.

This purse from Lady Zi Yue, however, was quite unique—novel, chic, and aesthetically pleasing. He had taken a liking to it the moment he received it and had kept it tucked at his waist ever since.

It was exceedingly convenient for carrying items like a snuff bottle or Small Pieces Silver. He had grown accustomed to using it and now couldn’t do without it.

Alas, the Emperor was displeased today; he’d best not invite trouble.

AHEM. That was a digression. Let’s return to the matter at hand.

The Empress was heard asking again, "’Then how did you know Noble Consort Shih’s gowns hadn’t been delivered yet, and how did you manage to get the poison onto her clothes?!’"

With this, the Empress voiced the final two doubts lingering in everyone’s minds.

Honored Lady Hu sneered, thought for a moment, and then said, "’The Noble Consort’s gowns are second only to Your Majesty’s. Yours and hers are the most complex in style, exquisitely patterned, and the most numerous. Naturally, they would be completed a day or two later than ours!’"

"’So...’"

"’So, you set your sights on the sewing room!’ the Empress interjected seamlessly."

Honored Lady Hu lowered her head, remained silent for a moment, and then continued, "’Later, I specifically went to the sewing room and, through indirect inquiries, found out that the Noble Consort’s gowns had not yet been delivered!’"

"’Then, I had a Little Eunuch from my palace, one who does menial tasks, disguise himself as a Palace Maid. He was to pretend to walk hurriedly, bump into Xiao Hui, and thus get the poison onto the cloth bundle...’"

Everything had been confessed.

A long, deep silence fell upon the grand hall. Honored Lady Hu remained kneeling, like a criminal awaiting sentencing.

Xia Ruqing sat at the very back, her eyelids drooped, seemingly studying the patterns on her clothes, feigning disinterest in the proceedings.

In truth, her heart was already in turmoil.

This was the largest and most violent storm to erupt in the Harem since she had entered the palace!

It was the first time she had fought a life-and-death struggle with someone.

She had survived, which meant others had to die, and she was even brought here to witness it.

This deep palace... it truly was as described in the history books.

If one wasn’t careful, it could devour people whole!

Once the truth was laid bare, after a period of silence, Zhao Junyao suddenly spoke, "’Li Shengan!’"

"’Your servant is here!’"

"’According to the rules, what is the prescribed punishment for plotting against an imperial heir?!’"

Li Shengan replied almost without thinking, "’Your Majesty, according to the laws of Great Chu, a Consort who plots against an imperial heir shall be sentenced to death!’"

After hearing this, Zhao Junyao nodded, his expression unreadable. "’Then... let it be so. Sentence her to death...’"

"’Wait!’ the Empress urgently interrupted him."

Zhao Junyao was somewhat displeased. "’The Empress is so anxious that she even interrupts Our words. Is there something you wish to say?’"

Only then did the Empress realize her impropriety and immediately rose to bow. "’This consort was presumptuous and startled Your Majesty. However... this consort has a few words to say!’"

"’Speak then!’ Zhao Junyao nonchalantly picked up his teacup and sat back down in his seat."

Indeed. He had just announced the death sentence and was about to leave.

He was due to depart soon and needed to arrange court affairs without delay. He had many matters to attend to; did he really have time to dally here?

The Empress dared not delay and hurriedly said, "’Your Majesty, Honored Lady Hu is still young. Sentencing her to death... isn’t that a bit too cruel?!’"

"’This consort believes she already recognizes her mistake. Besides... Noble Consort Shih’s child is unharmed. So... how about sparing her life?’"

The Empress spoke with utmost caution.

Zhao Junyao narrowed his eyes, watching her. His gaze made the Empress’s heart palpitate.

After a moment, Zhao Junyao suddenly scoffed, "’Since when has the Empress become so benevolent?’"

Those words stung!

I have always cultivated the image of a virtuous, kind, and magnanimous Empress. All the lower-ranking Honored Ladies and Ladies in the Harem have been managed by me to be perfectly obedient.

How could the Emperor dismantle my facade right from the start!

Could it be that the Emperor has seen through me?