Duan Wang knelt with a stubborn gaze locked on the emperor, unwilling to budge or compromise.
The emperor’s breathing grew heavy. He glared fiercely at Duan Wang, then turned to the Empress. “At this point, with the Empress declaring her innocence and Consort Shu demanding justice, and with no clear truth, I can only order a full investigation. Ding Zhao, you are to personally interrogate everyone in Kunde Palace.”
“Your Majesty!” the Empress stepped forward, eyes fixed on the emperor. “Your Majesty, I have done no wrong. If you allow Ding Zhao to investigate Kunde Palace, what face will I have left? How can I maintain authority over the inner palace?”
“Since the Empress believes herself innocent, she should not fear investigation,” Consort Shu retorted sharply, then turned to the emperor. “Your Majesty, the poisoning of Duan Wangfei in Kunde Palace is a fact. Uncovering the truth is vital to both Her Majesty and me. Once investigated, the facts will speak for themselves.”
The emperor’s vision darkened in waves, and he instinctively gripped the armrest of the chair. Ding Zhao silently stepped forward and very naturally supported the emperor, saying, “Your Majesty, there are still memorials that need your attention.”
The emperor steadied himself, resting his hand on Ding Zhao’s arm, and looked at everyone as he spoke: “It’s decided, then.” With that, he leaned on Ding Zhao’s hand and walked out.
Ding Zhao escorted the emperor to his imperial sedan and immediately turned back to take away all the palace staff involved in the tea gathering at Kunde Palace. Hearing the commotion outside, the Empress’s face turned ashen.
Consort Shu felt a surge of satisfaction in her chest. She looked at Duan Wang and said, “What are you still standing there for? Have someone bring the sedan and take your wife back to Cuiwei Palace. Don’t linger here in Kunde Palace disturbing Her Majesty the Empress.”
Xiao Muchen responded and immediately turned to leave.
Consort Shu didn’t bother with the Empress’s darkened expression. She then looked at Duchess Wei and said softly, “Madam, you were innocently dragged into today’s events. Since it no longer concerns you, you may as well leave the palace and return home.”
Duchess Wei had yet to accomplish what she came to do today, nor did she have the chance to ask the questions she wanted. To be dismissed like this—she felt deeply unwilling.
However, her husband’s safety still weighed on her heart, leaving her caught in a difficult position.
Even so, she knew the situation in the palace was delicate. Staying any longer would not be wise. She bent her knees and gave a bow: “This humble woman takes her leave.”
The Empress gave her a cold glance and said nothing.
Consort Shu gently added, “Please go, Madam.”
Seeing the Empress’s reaction, Duchess Wei felt her heart sink further, and her resentment deepened.
Their grudge had begun back when her son met his tragic attack. Now that her husband had submitted a memorial and was injured crashing into the pillar, his fate uncertain—it was as if her entire family clashed fatefully with the Empress and her son.
Since that was the case, she let go of hesitation. Turning to Consort Shu, she said, “Many thanks for Niang Niang’s concern. I take my leave.”
The Empress was momentarily stunned, watching Duchess Wei stride away. Especially that last look before she left—it left the Empress feeling highly displeased.
Soon, Xiao Muchen returned. He had wrapped Duan Mingxi in a brocade blanket and carried her into the sedan to depart. Before leaving, Consort Shu turned to glance at the Empress one last time.
Now only the two of them remained in the hall. It was utterly silent.
Their eyes met. The Empress sneered and said coldly, “What now, Consort Shu? Still not leaving?”
“Today’s favor from Your Majesty, this Consort will remember well,” Consort Shu said with her head held high. “One day, I shall repay you in full.” She flicked her sleeve and strode off.
The Empress: …
Very well, very well indeed. Each and every one of them—do they all think they can defy heaven itself?
Most of the palace staff from Kunde Palace were taken away. Even Lu Momo had been removed, leaving only a few trembling young maids outside the hall.
The Empress sat high on her throne, expressionless, her eyes fixed ahead. She remained seated in silence for a long time.
***
On the other side, Xiao Muchen did not bring Mingxi back to Cuiwei Palace. After bidding farewell to Consort Shu, he returned directly to the royal residence.
“There are too many uncertainties in the palace, and I cannot stay overnight. It’s better to take her back now so we can rest easy,” he said softly to Consort Shu.
Consort Shu nodded and sighed, “Take good care of Mingxi once you’re home. If… if the child cannot be kept, don’t blame her. She didn’t even know she was pregnant—if she had, she surely would’ve been more careful. Just think of it as fate not bringing you together with this child. Focus on comforting Mingxi.”
Xiao Muchen nodded solemnly. “I understand, Royal Mother. You needn’t worry.”
Consort Shu then asked in a hushed voice about the matter with Duchess Wei. Xiao Muchen gave her a brief summary. Consort Shu’s expression changed dramatically.
No wonder. No wonder things had unfolded with such “coincidence” today. She muttered, “Do you think the Empress anticipated Duchess Wei would enter the palace today?”
Otherwise, how could such a deadly trap have been laid?
“Whether she did or not, Duke Wei’s household and the Empress’s faction are now mortal enemies,” Xiao Muchen said shortly. “Royal Mother, be careful in the palace. If anything happens, send word to me.”
Consort Shu nodded. “Go now. I’ll manage.”
Xiao Muchen took Duan Mingxi out of the palace and back to the residence. Miao Sheng, under orders, immediately sent for Ren Mian from Yongchun Hall to wait at the estate.
Xiao Muchen held Mingxi in his arms. After giving her medicine, her breathing had steadied somewhat. She trusted Ren Mian deeply, so his skills must be exceptional—he could only hope he would not let him down.
Back at the residence, Ren Mian was already waiting.
Seeing Duan Wangfei’s condition gave him quite a scare. Only after Duan Wang laid her on the soft couch did Ren Mian dare to step forward and take her pulse.
Xiao Muchen saw Ren Mian’s brows furrow tightly and pressed his lips together. When Ren Mian finally withdrew his hand, he asked, “Well?”
Ren Mian paused, then replied, “Her pulse is thin and deficient, weak and soft—classic signs of poisoning by Xiao Ji San. However, there’s something strange. The pulse is unresponsive to light touch, but appears with heavier pressure. Though her condition looks severe, there is room for recovery.”
Xiao Muchen was overjoyed. “Truly?”
“Yes. But the poison did enter her body and may still impact the child. Further care will be needed.”
Xiao Muchen froze. “You mean the child… can be saved?”
Ren Mian looked surprised. “Does Wangye… not want the child?”
The two locked eyes. Since joining Yongchun Hall, Ren Mian’s income had soared and life had become comfortable—such a benefactor was rare, and he served with full devotion.
Hearing Wangye’s question, he thought Wangye didn’t want the child and his face darkened. “Your Highness, pregnancy drains a woman’s essence and blood. Miscarriage is extremely harmful. How can you speak like this? It’s far too irresponsible.”
Xiao Muchen, being scolded, didn’t get angry. On the contrary, his eyes lit up. The child could be saved. Mingxi would be thrilled when she woke up.
The child had come so unexpectedly that neither of them had known. If it had been lost just like that, it would have been heartbreaking.
He felt that way already—how much more so would Mingxi?
Xiao Muchen said immediately, “You’re right. It’s just… Duan Wangfei was poisoned with Xiao Ji San, and the imperial physician said there was another unknown scent in the tea. They couldn’t determine what it was. Are you certain there won’t be complications?”
Ren Mian’s gaze flickered slightly at those words. He coughed lightly and replied, “Please rest assured, Wangye. I will prescribe a remedy. If Duan Wangfei takes it for a few days, the effects of the poison will gradually dissipate. She didn’t ingest much, and though it has caused some harm, careful treatment should restore her health.”
