“When you face His Majesty, you know how to respond, don’t you?” Consort Shu asked as she looked at Mingxi.
Mingxi nodded. “Niang Niang, rest assured.”
Consort Shu let out a long sigh, “How can I be at ease? County Princess Muhua’s poisoning has already reached His Majesty’s ears through Ning Qin Wang’s complaint. This matter will definitely be investigated thoroughly. If not, some people wouldn’t think of making you take the blame.”
Mingxi knew that, of everyone involved in this matter, she had the lowest status, making her the easiest target. The Empress must have chosen her after careful consideration.
Should the weak just die?
Hu Momo hurriedly entered the hall, bowed, and reported, “Niang Niang, the Imperial Doctor has already treated them. The young ladies only fainted. Although they look frightening with all the blood, they are not in any danger.”
Consort Shu had guessed that Mingxi, being so cautious, would surely be careful not to strike too hard.
“Keep them separated and watch them carefully. Don’t let them collude,” Consort Shu said solemnly.
“They’ve already been separated. I’ve even had a little maid pass a message to them, making them believe the other two have confessed.”
Consort Shu smiled, “Well done.”
Mingxi was a bit surprised and glanced at Hu Momo. She thought that someone who had been with Consort Shu for so many years without incident must be no simple person.
Just then, Nan Jiao came in quickly, bowing and reporting, “Niang Niang, there’s word from Chongzheng Hall. Xuan Niang Niang has sent for you and Miss.”
Consort Shu immediately stood up and said to Mingxi, “Let’s go.”
Mingxi nodded and followed her.
They reached Chongzheng Hall, and when Mingxi looked up, she was surprised to see Xiao Muchen standing outside the hall. As soon as he saw them, he quickly walked over.
Since she entered the palace, she hadn’t seen him, so she had assumed he was busy with last night’s events.
She didn’t expect him to be waiting for them here.
“Royal Mother, Xixi.”
Consort Shu looked at her son and asked, “You know everything?”
Xiao Muchen’s eyes scanned Mingxi, then he nodded. “Chen Fu has already told me.”
Consort Shu nodded. “Good.”
After speaking, Consort Shu gave a slight nod and stepped forward. Xiao Muchen walked alongside Mingxi. He lowered his voice and said, “The incident happened so suddenly. I didn’t expect you to be summoned to the palace so quickly. Are you alright?”
Mingxi looked at Xiao Muchen. “Didn’t Chief Steward Chen tell you?”
Xiao Muchen: …
Could what Chen Fu said be the same as hearing it directly from her?
Perhaps because of Xiao Muchen’s vivid expression, Mingxi suddenly understood. She paused, then changed the subject. “It was just like that. I didn’t suffer, but I didn’t go too hard on them either. After all, we need to keep someone alive to testify.”
Xiao Muchen’s eyes held a bit of a smile, but his voice remained cold. “It doesn’t matter if you kill them. I’ll clean up after you.”
Mingxi glanced at him, thinking, He’s not even the Duan Wang armwrestling with the crown prince, yet he speaks so boldly. But at this moment, her mood lightened by three points.
“Is County Princess Muhua alright?” Mingxi finally asked the question that had been worrying her.
“Fortunately, there wasn’t much poison. I’ve already seen her. Don’t worry, her condition is stable. However, Ning Qin Wang will definitely not tell His Majesty this. Just be aware of it.” Xiao Muchen said.
Mingxi understood.
Ning Qin Wang wants to make his daughter seem pitiful in front of the Emperor, forcing His Majesty to punish the real culprit.
Who the real culprit is, is still uncertain.
Mingxi was about to relax when she suddenly felt her hand being held. She was startled and turned her head to look at Xiao Muchen.
He had grabbed her hand under the cover of his sleeve. She quickly pulled her hand back, not paying attention to the surroundings. How daring.
Xiao Muchen whispered, “Just thinking about that dish possibly being meant for you, I…”
He wished he could tear the person who poisoned it to pieces.
Mingxi looked at his fierce expression, startled. She quickly calmed herself and said, “I’m fine.”
“I know,” Xiao Muchen sighed, his heart pounding.
It was hard to imagine that a person as cold and detached as him would, with each encounter, feel deeper feelings for her.
In the middle of the night, when he dreamed, he felt like he had met her before.
But when he woke up, he found it laughable.
He used to look down on such romantic feelings.
Love at first sight?
That seemed even more ridiculous.
Until he became the one who was ridiculous.
Whether it’s love, he didn’t know, but he did know that he wanted to spend his life with the person before him.
To protect her for a lifetime, keeping her free from harm.
Consort Shu noticed her son was taking too long to catch up, so she stopped and cleared her throat.
Mingxi immediately quickened her pace, and Xiao Muchen followed, catching up with a slight flush on his face at his mother’s half-smiling gaze.
Consort Shu rolled her eyes inwardly. She really couldn’t count on this son.
Outside Chongzheng Hall, Ding Zhao immediately stepped forward. “This Old servant greets the Empress.”
“Chief Steward Ding, please rise,” Consort Shu said with a smile. “How is His Majesty feeling?”
Ding Zhao, who couldn’t miss the implication in Consort Shu’s words, answered meaningfully, “County Princess Muhua has suffered greatly. Ning Qin Wang cried bitterly before His Majesty, and His Majesty is quite heartbroken.”
So, His Majesty wasn’t in a good mood.
Consort Shu understood in her heart and thanked Ding Zhao.
Ding Zhao stepped forward, opened the hall doors, and bowed to invite Consort Shu in. Upon seeing Duan Wang and Mingxi accompanying her, he smiled and greeted them.
Duan Wang nodded slightly, and Mingxi greeted Ding Zhao politely.
Ding Zhao had served the Emperor for many years, and as the Chief Steward of Chongzheng Hall, he was no one to be underestimated.
It was surprising that Ding Zhao would share some of the Emperor’s feelings with Consort Shu. It wasn’t easy to get on his good side.
They entered the hall, where they saw the Emperor sitting on the throne. The Empress and Ning Qin Wang were positioned on either side, both looking quite displeased.
The atmosphere in the hall was tense, making everyone hold their breath and remain silent, not daring to make a sound.
“Your consort greets His Majesty.”
“Your son greets Royal Father.”
“This humble daughter greets His Majesty.”
The hall was silent, and the thick fragrance of dragon’s saliva incense filled the air, so strong it made one slightly uncomfortable.
Duan Mingxi lowered her head and slowly calmed her breathing, feeling a bit more comfortable. At this moment, she heard the Emperor speak: “Rise.”
Consort Shu raised her head and met the gaze of the Empress, who was dressed in a phoenix robe. This time, Consort Shu did not show the usual friendly smile to the Empress.
The Empress slightly pursed her lips, her eyes scanning Consort Shu’s attire. She usually preferred simple, elegant clothing, but today Consort Shu wore a richly adorned gown with shining embellishments that made the Empress’s eyes narrow slightly.
Consort Shu glanced past the Empress and stepped forward, raising her head to address the Emperor on the throne: “Your Majesty, I have something to report.”
The Emperor slightly furrowed his brows. “Consort Shu, your matters can be discussed later.”
Consort Shu was not surprised but stood tall and said, “Your Majesty, forgive me for asking, but are you wanting to inquire about the poisoning of County Princess Muhua?”
The Emperor nodded. “Since you know, Consort Shu, do not meddle further.”
His tone carried a hint of impatience. Duan Mingxi lowered her eyes, glancing at the floor, and couldn’t help but worry about Consort Shu.
