Chapter 207: Any Leads Yet?
But thinking of something, she still restrained her anger, “Consort Qi is overthinking it. I just saw that it’s your first time managing palace affairs and you don’t know how to handle them, so I’m just reminding you.”
Consort Qi did not appreciate it and looked at her gloomily, “Is that so? Why do I feel like the person who went to the Cold Palace is right here?”
Saying this to her in front of everyone, the Imperial Consort’s face immediately darkened, no longer pretending, “Consort Qi, what do you mean? Do you really think that person is me?”
“Why are you in such a hurry? I didn’t say that person is you. It’s just that some people are not satisfied and want more things, so they can only sell their bodies to exchange for them.”
After speaking, she intentionally or unintentionally looked toward the Imperial Consort.
Everyone knew that the Imperial Consort had great ambition, single-mindedly hoping that her son, the third prince, could ascend to the imperial throne, and it was not impossible to climb up the Jiang Family this big tree.
Everyone’s gazes toward her carried a bit of complexity.
A trace of tension flashed in the Imperial Consort’s eyes, but it quickly disappeared, “Consort Qi, you are really going too far. What you said not only insults His Majesty but also insults me. If His Majesty wakes up, I will definitely tell His Majesty about this matter and let His Majesty uphold justice for me.”
Hearing this, panic flashed in Consort Qi’s eyes.
She just suspected it and boldly said what was in her heart based on this matter, but don’t look at how she now holds the power to manage palace affairs—this is temporary.
If Emperor Qin wakes up, with his favor toward the Imperial Consort, he will definitely stand unconditionally on her side.
Just as she was about to speak, Jiang Ruanxi stepped forward to smooth things over, “Alright, everyone, now nothing is clear yet. Everyone suspecting each other here—isn’t it hurting the harmony.”
After speaking, her gaze fell on Consort Qi, “Consort Qi, now His Majesty is ill. If you have evidence, I suggest you bring it out. Once everything is revealed, we can focus on taking care of His Majesty.”
Consort Qi’s face was very ugly; where did she have any evidence.
The Imperial Consort looked at her smugly. Just as she was about to speak up for herself, Jiang Ruanxi continued.
“This matter is a royal secret. It’s indeed not good if the common people know about it, so after the Empress Dowager learned of this, she had already issued an edict that this matter must be handled secretly, without letting others know. If the news spreads and becomes known to everyone, then don’t blame her elderly self for being ruthless.”
The Imperial Consort was expressionless, while Consort Qi was also full of unwillingness.
Jiang Ruanxi continued, “In short, the Crown Prince will definitely catch these two people. You two can rest assured. Whether it’s the consorts in the palace, or palace maids, or even eunuchs, as long as they are people in this Imperial Palace, they will all be investigated thoroughly, and absolutely no one will be let go.”
The Imperial Consort paused, then said, “Then I hope the Crown Prince will find those two people soon.”
Consort Qi also said, “Yes, it’s best to find them soon, so they don’t hide in the gutters all day disgusting people.”
The Imperial Consort knew she was referring to herself and was so angry that her complexion wasn’t good.
But now with the Emperor in a coma and no one protecting her like this, she naturally didn’t dare to speak again.
After Consort Qi left, the Imperial Consort naturally couldn’t stay and quickly left.
The others also followed and left.
Jiang Ruanxi looked at the two people’s backs, “Could it really not be one of them?”
Wei Chang said, “It seems like neither has suspicion, but it could also be an act. In short, before there is actual evidence, let’s not act rashly. You’re tired too; go back and rest. I’ll stay here guarding Father Emperor.”
Jiang Ruanxi was indeed a bit tired and nodded, then went back to the courtyard arranged by the Empress.
As soon as she returned to the courtyard, a palace maid came to relay a message, “Crown Princess, the Empress Dowager summons you.”
Jiang Ruanxi knew the Empress Dowager had received the information and followed the palace maid to the Empress Dowager.
By the time Jiang Ruanxi arrived at the Empress Dowager’s bedchamber, the Empress Dowager was trimming flowers.
“You’ve come.” Although the Empress Dowager asked politely, her hands did not stop moving.
Jiang Ruanxi smiled along, “Grandmother, you’re looking for me?”
“This old woman is lonely and wants to find someone to talk to.”
Jiang Ruanxi lowered her eyes; finding someone to talk to was fake, wanting to ask about the situation was real, right?
Before she could reply, the sound of a teacup shattering came from inside.
“Empress Dowager, Consort Yan has fainted.”
The Empress Dowager expressionlessly put down the scissors, “What a useless thing. It’s just copying Buddhist scriptures, and she actually faints?”
Consort Yan?
Jiang Ruanxi had no impression of this consort.
“Crown Princess, wait in the front hall first. I will go in and change clothes.”
Jiang Ruanxi naturally understood that she was going to the back to see Consort Yan.
After the person left, Jiang Ruanxi curiously asked, “Who is this Consort Yan?”
Yushui said, “Replying to you, I heard she was brought back from Mobei by the Imperial Advisor. She is extremely beautiful. After being favored once by His Majesty, she was brought by the Empress Dowager to the Buddhist Hall, saying that…”
Yushui’s expression wasn’t good; she paused, “Saying that Consort Yan is a disaster star, so she must let the Bodhisattva cleanse the sins on her body. Thus, the Empress Dowager makes Consort Yan come every day to copy Buddhist scriptures.”
Jiang Ruanxi nodded. Seeing that the Empress Dowager hadn’t come out yet, Yushui said worriedly, “This Consort Yan is also a pitiful person. She is originally from Mobei and doesn’t know Han characters at all. Yet the Empress Dowager is harsh and insists she copy in Han characters. With this nonstop copying day and night, how could Consort Yan endure such hardship?”
Yushui had just finished speaking when the Empress Dowager came out after changing clothes.
“Is there any progress on what happened in the Cold Palace?”
Jiang Ruanxi knew she wouldn’t be this simple just to relieve boredom.
“Replying to Grandmother, there are no clues yet, but the Crown Prince has already found some leads, and results will come soon, I believe.”
The Empress Dowager fiddled with the teacup lid, “That’s good then. Now with the Emperor in a coma, those bitches and rebellious officials and traitors’ thoughts become restless. Tell the Crown Prince not to be afraid; if he finds suspicious people, just beat them to death with random sticks.”
Jiang Ruanxi just nodded slightly. The Empress Dowager didn’t say much more and soon said her head hurt.
Jiang Ruanxi took this opportunity to leave.
After going out, Jiang Ruanxi saw Consort Yan being supported by palace maids as she left.
She originally had no intention of greeting her, but as she turned, she heard the sound of a jade pendant.
Her whole body shook, looking at that slender figure—could it be her?
The person ahead also sensed the gaze from behind and suddenly turned around.
Deep contours, with a bit of exotic charm.
Although the face was different, Jiang Ruanxi’s first intuitive feeling was beauty.
A soul-captivating, yet very flamboyant beauty.
“Crown Princess.” Consort Yan had been here for a while, so she naturally could speak Han language.
