Chapter 170: Old Case Revealed
A princess’s hairpin at her throat, intending to die to make a statement.
A princess knelt on the ground, intending to have the matter investigated in court.
The imperial family’s reputation was trampled underfoot, their dignity shattered.
“Insolent!” The Empress Dowager’s voice boomed, filled with authority.
“I see you are all possessed! Today is my birthday, do you intend to see blood?”
“Each of you acting so outrageously, do you think I have lived too long and wish to be angered to death?”
In an instant, all the noble ladies in the hall fell silent as cicadas.
The air was heavy and stifling.
Xue Yuechen, while lowering her head to drink water, subtly exchanged a look with Xue Sui.
Xue Sui slightly pursed her lips, a faint smile appearing.
“Your Ladyship, please calm your anger!” The Grand Princess clasped her hands in front of her abdomen and bowed slightly, gently comforting the Empress Dowager.
“The younger generation is merely bickering. No matter how out of line or rude they are, they are still blood relatives. A few words exchanged, and it will pass in a moment. It is truly not worth getting angry over this and harming your imperial health…”
Anyone could see that the Grand Princess intended to provide an excuse to de-escalate the situation, to make a mountain out of a molehill, to avoid further complications, and to prevent becoming a laughingstock among the noble ladies, which would damage the imperial family’s reputation if it spread.
However, Ping Le was not one to be easily appeased.
Seeing the sharp hairpin in Wen Jia’s hand pierce the skin of her neck, a drop of crimson blood seeping out, she suddenly slammed her forehead onto the ground with a “thud” that made all the noble ladies in the hall gasp.
“Ping Le will make her stance clear today: if Imperial Grandmother does not help me vent this anger, I will smash my head to death and seek justice in the underworld! That way, everyone under heaven will know that a princess of the imperial family was so humiliated, yet no one stood up for her!”
As soon as these words were spoken, the hall fell into complete silence.
Empress Dowager Cheng Qing’s face turned ashen. She stared intently at Princess Ping Le, her hands tightly gripping the carved armrests, suppressing her anger.
“By demeaning yourself and throwing a tantrum in my hall, have you cast aside all the rules of the imperial family?”
The Grand Princess’s smile faltered slightly, and she looked at Ping Le with reproach in her eyes.
“Ping Le, your words are truly too harsh. You are sisters, it is merely a slight misunderstanding, why must it escalate to this point?”
Empress Dowager Cheng Qing then coughed lightly, forcing a smile to her face, and seized the opportunity to descend the stairs.
“Have you heard the Grand Princess’s admonishment? Wen Jia, Ping Le, why don’t you both retreat to the side and reflect properly!”
“How are Ping Le’s words too harsh?” a coquettish complaint was heard.
Like a yellow oriole leaving a valley, her voice was clear and carried a hint of sharpness.
Everyone turned to look, and saw Consort Xiao arriving late, her smile carrying a hidden meaning.
She moved with graceful steps, entering the hall and standing with perfect poise. She bowed gracefully to the Empress Dowager, then slowly swept her gaze over all the noble ladies present before speaking unhurriedly.
“The grievances Ping Le has suffered are not mere misunderstandings. The humiliation of having one’s husband stolen, the bitterness of betrayal, how can these words be considered too harsh? If Wen Jia is allowed to act so recklessly, what will become of the dignity of our Daliang imperial family…”
Her words immediately elevated the stakes.
The already tense atmosphere plummeted to freezing point.
The noble ladies dared not breathe, exchanging glances.
Consort Xiao’s eyebrows shot up, and she turned to call out loudly, “Imperial Physician Fu!”
Behind her, Fu Qingsong from the Imperial Hospital hurried forward.
He raised his hand to wipe the sweat from his brow, placed the medicine box he was carrying on the ground, and performed a deep bow to the Empress Dowager, wishing her longevity.
The noble ladies in the hall all turned their heads, their eyes filled with surprise…
Princess Ping Le and Consort Xiao, they came prepared!
Under everyone’s gaze, Imperial Physician Fu lightly lifted the corner of his robe and cautiously stepped forward. Trembling, he placed his pale fingers on Ping Le’s pulse points, his eyes focused as he took her pulse.
After a moment, he said with a slight tremor in his voice:
“Princess Ping Le has indeed… indeed had a miscarriage…”
With a “crack,” a teacup fell to the ground, its crisp sound breaking the silence of Ci An Hall.
Empress Dowager Cheng Qing’s knuckles turned white. After a long pause, she said in a deep voice, “Are you certain of your diagnosis?”
Imperial Physician Fu quickly bowed his head and performed a solemn bow, his collar already soaked with cold sweat.
“Replying to Your Ladyship, this humble physician has been practicing medicine for thirty years and would not dare to speak falsely.”
“Imperial Grandmother, please see the truth!” Ping Le cried, kneeling on the ground, her forehead pressed against the cold gold bricks, weeping, “My granddaughter had just discovered her pregnancy not long ago, when the Imperial Son-in-law caused me to miscarry, cruelly forcing me to divorce, and disgracing the imperial family… In reality, he and Wen Jia were secretly involved, attempting to achieve their desires… The fragments of the medicine bowl are still in the Princess’s Mansion. I have kept them all along and have not discarded them. Your Ladyship may send someone to retrieve them for examination…”
Empress Dowager Cheng Qing’s wrinkled face grew increasingly overcast.
“Is what you say true?”
Ping Le: “Absolutely true!”
Wen Jia’s face turned pale, and her body swayed precariously. The fine hairpin dug deeper.
“Imperial Sister, you know full well that there is no romantic relationship between me and Imperial Son-in-law Lu, why do you slander my purity like this?”
“Purity? On that day, Lu You’an disregarded his dignity and rushed to the West Mountain Imperial Palace to deliver medicine, for whom was that for? The Imperial Son-in-law has always been proud and aloof, who in the court and country doesn’t know this? He has never shown concern for others, nor had any private affections, yet he only cares for you?”
“If you want to accuse me, why bother with reasons…” Wen Jia gave a tragic smile.
“In the end, Imperial Sister, disregarding our sisterly bond and causing a scene at Grandmother’s birthday banquet, you simply want to put me to death, don’t you…”
Ping Le’s thin lips pursed slightly, and she coldly raised her eyes, “When you seduced my Imperial Son-in-law and did such vulgar things, did you ever consider that I am your Imperial Sister? Did you ever consider our sisterly bond?”
Xue Sui suddenly let out a soft laugh, her fingertips tracing the rim of the teacup. Then, she rose from her seat and gracefully bowed.
“Your Ladyship, this humble wife has some knowledge of medicine and dares to request permission to re-examine the Princess.”
Empress Dowager Cheng Qing heard this and her gaze turned towards Xue Sui. A hint of displeasure flickered across her tightly pursed lips.
At such a moment, no one should step forward and further escalate the situation.
Xue Yuechen saw the reproach in the Empress Dowager’s eyes and gently tugged at Xue Sui’s sleeve, whispering, “Matters of the imperial harem are for Your Ladyship to judge. Although my sister means well, it is best not to say too much…”
She feared Xue Sui would get into trouble and her eyes were full of warning.
Xue Sui gently placed her palm on Xue Yuechen’s hand, squeezing it reassuringly, then bowed respectfully to Empress Dowager Cheng Qing.
“This humble wife has studied medical principles for many years, and is particularly skilled in gynecology… Seeing Princess Ping Le’s sallow complexion, slight swelling, and purplish lips, coupled with a thick, greasy tongue coating, it does not resemble a miscarriage. It is for this reason that I dared to speak up…”
The hall fell silent.
Ping Le’s almond-shaped eyes widened in anger, “Xue Liu, you are insolent!”
Xue Sui raised an eyebrow slightly, a cold smile appearing at the corner of her eye, and continued, “I heard that the Princess has been suffering from strange ailments recently. This humble wife suspects it might be due to medication, perhaps someone with malicious intent is secretly causing trouble. It is best to be cautious…”
“Xue Liu!” Ping Le gritted her teeth and sharply rebuked, “In Ci An Hall, when is it your turn to speak?”
Xue Sui smiled faintly.
She had already said the most important words.
Whether Ping Le wanted her to take her pulse or not, suspicion had already been cast. Empress Dowager Cheng Qing, to maintain the overall situation, would have to put in considerable effort to resolve it.
She then added, “This humble wife truly cares for the Princess’s well-being. I fear there are those with ill intentions who are deliberately framing the Princess and the Imperial Son-in-law…”
Ping Le’s teeth were almost ground to dust.
“Madam Ping’an, mind your words!” Consort Xiao’s fingernails dug in slightly, her eyes churning like dark clouds. “This Consort sees that you have lost your composure and are speaking carelessly. Are you not afraid of offending a Noble Person!”
Xue Sui bowed gracefully, neither humble nor arrogant.
“This humble wife is fearful. It is merely a matter of a physician’s compassion. Seeing the Princess’s health damaged and with hidden circumstances, it is difficult to stand by and do nothing… I hope Your Ladyship the Consort will investigate.”
As Consort Xiao was about to speak again, the Grand Princess in the seats forcefully pushed aside a wine cup and reprimanded with displeasure.
“All of you, quiet down. It is the Empress Dowager’s seventieth birthday, a joyous occasion, why speak such inauspicious words?” She tried to ease the tense atmosphere and mediate, then gestured to Consort Xiao.
“Ping Le’s health has not yet recovered, and her words and actions are erratic. Why don’t you quickly take her back and have her properly recuperated, lest she embarrass herself in this hall.”
Her seniority allowed her to control the situation, and even the Empress Dowager had to give her some face.
Ping Le, however, looked at the Grand Princess with eyes full of grievance.
“Grand Aunt, Ping Le is truly wronged…”
The Grand Princess suddenly stood up shakily. The crane-embroidered shawl on her body swept over the wine stains on the table. She bowed slightly to Empress Dowager Cheng Qing and pointed forcefully at Ping Le, her silver hair trembling slightly.
“Ping Le, if you continue to be so willful and reckless, it seems this old woman must report to His Majesty and have you properly disciplined…”
“How is Imperial Sister merely willful and reckless…” Li Zhao’s voice suddenly came from the hall entrance, his dark python robe exuding a chilling aura.
“She is even skilled at faking pregnancy, perhaps she learned from Consort Xiao?”
The hall instantly fell into dead silence.
The noble ladies were already accustomed to the disputes within the imperial harem.
However, they did not understand why the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace would interfere.
Li Zhao stood against the light, the black obsidian on his jade belt emitting a deep, dark red glow under the palace lanterns.
Behind him followed Lai Fu, who was bowing in attendance, holding a sandalwood box that faintly carried a hint of autumn dew’s chill.
“Wishing Imperial Grandmother eternal youth and longevity equal to heaven.”
Li Zhao bowed deeply, his voice clear and pure as jade.
Then he raised his head, his gaze fixed on Empress Dowager Cheng Qing, who sat at the head of the table.
“This grandson is also here to present a birthday gift to Imperial Grandmother.”
Empress Dowager Cheng Qing’s originally somber expression slowly softened.
“The Crown Prince is thoughtful. I am blessed to have juniors like you who are respectful. I don’t know what good fortune I accumulated in which lifetime. Heh heh, it is all thanks to the blessings of our ancestors…”
Seeing this, everyone praised her words.
The hall was filled with echoes of agreement.
Empress Dowager Cheng Qing smiled and signaled to the palace servants to present the birthday gift from the Crown Prince.
Li Zhao walked forward slowly, passing by Xue Sui without looking, and stopped directly before Empress Dowager Cheng Qing’s table.
Xue Sui’s gaze lingered on him for a moment before slowly shifting away.
“This grandson is late in offering birthday wishes, I beg Imperial Grandmother’s forgiveness.” Li Zhao’s posture was elegant and noble, but his tone was somewhat sharp.
“However, this grandson’s birthday gift is no ordinary item. Imperial Grandmother must examine it carefully.”
Lai Fu bowed and respectfully presented the sandalwood box.
Empress Dowager Cheng Qing teased him a few words and smiled as she watched the palace servants open the sandalwood box.
“Let’s see what treasure the Crown Prince has found for this old woman…”
Before her voice fell, the lid was opened, and a scent of aged medicine mixed with a hint of coolness wafted out.
The old Empress Dowager’s face suddenly changed drastically.
Inside the box lay a yellowed medical case, and beside it stood a celadon medicine bottle.
“What is this?”
Li Zhao bowed respectfully and said, “In the past, Consort Xue Shu served Imperial Grandmother diligently in Ci An Hall and was greatly favored. Unfortunately, she passed away due to premature labor, along with the imperial prince who had not yet been born, who also died in her womb. Imperial Grandmother fell gravely ill because of this and has been deeply saddened and unable to find peace for many years…”
He deliberately lowered his voice, filled with sorrow.
The atmosphere in the hall grew even more heavy and oppressive.
Old Madam Cui, seated among them, her eyes reddened, tightly clutched her handkerchief, her expression deeply moved.
That Consort Xue Shu was her only daughter.
She had been filial and clever in her youth. For the honor of the Xue family, she tearfully entered the palace, diligently served His Majesty and the Empress Dowager, and was cautious even when pregnant, navigating between the Xiao and Xie clans, treading on thin ice…
Such an understanding daughter, suddenly meeting with misfortune and being separated forever, how could she not be heartbroken and weep…
“My poor daughter.”
As Old Madam Cui wept, Xue Yuechen also wiped her tears with a handkerchief.
A chorus of sighs filled the hall, and everyone showed expressions of pity.
Consort Xiao suddenly stood up, the golden phoenix hairpin at her temple shaking violently. “Crown Prince, today is the Empress Dowager’s grand celebration. What is your intention in bringing out these inauspicious items?”
Li Zhao glanced at her unhurriedly, as if he hadn’t seen her, ignoring her.
“In the fifth year of Chongzhao, Consort Xue Shu died of a hemorrhage, a double death. The records of the Imperial Hospital at the time stated: the medicinal dregs contained Stephania tetrandra and Red Musk Powder.”
Consort Xiao’s expression changed slightly.
Empress Dowager Cheng Qing’s gaze was unpredictable, and she stared intently at Li Zhao before her.
“Why does the Crown Prince mention old matters today?”
Li Zhao smiled slowly. “It just so happens that a few days ago, this grandson was reviewing old archives and came across an old medical case. It reminded me of the late Consort Xue Shu. If I can seek justice for her today and clear her name, perhaps it will bring Imperial Grandmother some joy?”
He slowly stepped forward, his fingertip brushing over a brown spot on the medical case. He turned and looked coldly at Fu Qingsong, his voice like shattered jade.
“Imperial Physician Fu, do you still remember the medical case from that year? Do you remember this prescription?”
Imperial Physician Fu’s face turned ashen. He unconsciously rubbed the hem of his robe, his eyes flustered. “This old minister, this old minister is a bit confused and cannot recall clearly.”
Li Zhao sneered, “Then does Imperial Physician Fu remember who instructed you to write this prescription?”
Imperial Physician Fu glanced at Consort Xiao in alarm and stammered.
Xue Sui interjected at the opportune moment, “Coincidentally, when these two medicinal materials are mixed, they are a deadly poison for pregnant women, but a good remedy for regulating menstruation for non-pregnant women. They cause no harm, yet the pulse will be indistinguishable from a miscarriage.”
Li Zhao: “In that case, Princess Ping Le’s miscarriage pulse, does it have a suspicious connection to Consort Xue Shu’s sudden death that year?”
Xue Sui: “Crown Prince, what you say is extremely true. In this humble wife’s opinion, there must be hidden circumstances behind it.”
“I see, it’s not simple either.”
“Your Highness is wise.”
The two of them, singing in harmony, were almost revealing the fact that Consort Xiao had used the same method to kill Consort Xue Shu that year in court…
Er Jin: Everyone, Stephania tetrandra mixed with Red Musk Powder is fictional and should not be taken seriously.
Reader: Then what is real?
Er Jin: I’ll write more after my surgery. I can’t get back into the groove for a few days. As the ancestors said, “Three days without practice, and your hands grow stiff.” But this chapter is still long. See you tomorrow…
（ Finally, I thank all the readers who care about Er Jin. Er Jin is recovering well, but I cannot push myself too hard yet. It takes a hundred days for bones to heal, and I need some time to recuperate to fully recover. Hahaha, Er Jin will update daily, but I can’t guarantee the word count. I’ll update more when I can… Mwah! ）
