Chapter 46:

The newly arrived little palace maid turned out to be quite neat and fresh-looking, seemingly still very young.

“What’s your name?” Layue asked, stroking the teacup in her hand.

“Reporting to the mistress, my name is Qiaoning,” she replied respectfully.

“You have quite a good hand; exactly to my taste. Promote her to second-class maid, and she’ll be in charge of my morning meal from now on.”

As soon as Layue spoke, Jinxin was slightly startled. She was well aware that her mistress was not the kind of person who easily trusted others.

Qiaoning did not show excessive delight or pride, but instead properly thanked her mistress for the favor.

“You may go now.”

“Yes, mistress.”

As Qiaoning walked out, she heard Layue murmuring to herself, “I wonder whether the peonies have bloomed yet?”

Of course, peonies would not bloom in winter.

Once Qiaoning had left, Jinxin had already concealed her surprise. She knew her mistress always had her own judgment and discretion when handling matters.

“Jinxin, go fetch Xiaodengzi for me.” She had no idea how his investigation had gone yesterday.

Xiaodengzi had gone out to investigate yesterday but hadn’t returned, and in the evening she had been summoned to accompany the emperor at Xuanning Palace, so naturally she hadn’t seen him.

Xiaodengzi hurried into the room, knelt down, and said, “Your servant greets the mistress.”

Layue smiled faintly, “I thought you might have been thrown into the pond to feed the fish. It’s already evening and I still hadn’t seen you.”

Xiaodengzi was flustered, “Reporting to the mistress, your servant did not intentionally delay. I discovered a clue and wanted to investigate it thoroughly, hence my late return.”

Coming back late must have meant he had also taken time to report to Huici Palace. Layue inwardly sneered but maintained her usual composed expression.

“Did you find anything?”

Upon hearing Layue’s question, Xiaodengzi quickly reported his findings.

Layue had originally suspected that Chen Yulan had deliberately led her down that path for some ulterior motive, so she had ordered Xiaodengzi to investigate.

After receiving the command, Xiaodengzi had naturally been cautious and careful.

“Your servant carefully inspected that path and found nothing unusual, except for a faint fragrance. This scent was almost imperceptible. Fortunately, your servant’s nose is unusually sensitive, so I noticed something odd. I walked back and forth many times trying to locate the source of the scent, and finally succeeded.” He took out a small handkerchief from his chest, unfolded it, revealing an object resembling a stone, which gave off a faint aroma.

Layue knew that if the fragrance was this faint indoors, it would be even harder to detect outdoors in the cold.

Yet she remembered this object clearly.

“This… is this the rare incense from the Western Regions gifted by the emperor?”

This incense had been given to her after her first night with the emperor. At that time, Eunuch Laixi had specifically warned her that while the incense was excellent for everyday use, with a delicate and pleasant fragrance that soothed the mind, it was absolutely forbidden during pregnancy, as even a tiny amount could cause a miscarriage.

She would have to stop using it once she became pregnant.

Precisely because of this, Layue remembered it vividly. At the time, she had even thought that the emperor was quite interesting for giving her such a gift.

Her expression darkened as she summoned Jinxin.

Only Jinxin had the key to the storeroom. How could this item have been taken out?

Seeing the situation, Jinxin was also startled and hurriedly knelt down, “Your servant will immediately inspect the storeroom.”

Though flustered, she remained clear-headed.

Layue nodded, trusting Jinxin.

Jinxin hurriedly went with Apricot to inspect the storeroom. Before long, she rushed back in.

“Mistress, look, the incense gifted by the emperor is still here.”

Layue looked over and indeed saw that it was still there, but upon closer inspection, she slightly furrowed her brow.

“This incense seems to have been bitten by something,” Xiaodengzi pointed out carefully.

Layue had noticed this already, which was why she was puzzled.

A corner of the incense was missing. It had originally been an irregular shape, so unless one looked closely, it would not be obvious.

Moreover, the piece that Xiaodengzi had retrieved was somewhat different from theirs, although at a glance they appeared similar.

Layue immediately thought of Fu Jinyao’s pregnancy and realized this must be a trap set for her, though she had not yet figured out the exact details.

“Xiaodengzi, Apricot, you’ve both been in the palace since childhood and know much about palace affairs. Tell me, besides me, who else in the palace has this incense from the Western Regions? Since it was a tribute item, there must be more than just one piece.”

Both looked thoughtful, but whether their thoughts were real or feigned, Layue paid no attention. She was already analyzing the matter herself.

Chen Yulan, who clearly knew that Layue disliked her, had endured her own aversion to come and flatter her, suggesting they walk together down that path. Normally, she would not have refused, but these days were different.

If she had walked that path and later they lured Fu Guibin there by other means, causing Fu Jinyao to miscarry, the emperor would certainly investigate thoroughly. Since this incense was not burned, it would not disappear quickly but would slowly diminish over time.

The emperor naturally knew the effects of this incense. If she had walked that path and the incense in the storeroom gradually disappeared or even vanished completely, the blame would inevitably fall on her. What a clever scheme indeed.

But could Chen Yulan and Bai Xiaodie really have come up with such a brilliant idea?

Layue was somewhat doubtful. Not that she underestimated them, but she was very familiar with these two people. They had their own schemes and were calculating, but such a precise and intricate plan didn’t quite seem like their style.

“Your Highness.”

“What is it? Have you thought of something?”

“Your servant noticed that this piece of incense resembles one that has been nibbled by a rat.”

This was puzzling. Having rats wasn’t unusual, but there was no food in the storeroom, and it had been checked before. How could there be rats, and why would they specifically nibble on this incense?

“Have you thought of who else might have this incense?”

Xiaodengzi hesitated slightly, “Your Highness, your servant can’t think of anyone, but I suspect that Tao’er might know. She’s always well-informed about palace affairs. Perhaps your servant could call her here.” He was worried that his mistress might think he was implicating Tao’er.

Even so, Layue did not think Xiaodengzi was targeting Tao’er. Tao’er indeed knew about palace affairs in great detail.

Seeing her mistress’s approval, Xiaodengzi went out to summon Tao’er.

Sure enough, Tao’er had heard something about this incense.

“This incense should originally have been in three pieces. Although it’s precious, its fragrance is very light, and many of the consorts dislike it. Originally, Consort Song, the Virtuous Consort, should have one piece, another piece was given to Concubine Qi, and the last piece was in your possession, mistress.”

Consort Song, the Virtuous Consort.

Consort Song was known for her flamboyant personality, naturally not someone who would prefer a delicate fragrance. As for Concubine Qi, Layue thought for a moment. Concubine Qi was an experienced palace lady, not particularly beautiful, nor as gentle and affectionate toward the emperor as Virtuous Consort De. However, she was talented and had a quiet, distant demeanor.

If someone like Concubine Qi used this incense, no one would question it. After all, she was known for her understated personality and preference for elegant, subtle things. It was likely that this incense suited her taste.

“Has Consort Song used her piece of incense?”

Everyone shook their heads in confusion. In fact, as soon as Layue asked, she realized that this question was somewhat redundant, as they naturally wouldn’t know what Consort Song had done. If Consort Song had not used hers, then where did this piece come from?

Now that Consort Song was in the cold palace, could it be that she used her remaining connections to orchestrate this? Was it a case of one stone killing two birds, or had someone else obtained her piece after her fall from grace to plot against Layue? Or perhaps the real mastermind behind this was Concubine Qi.

There were various possibilities.

If she hadn’t been vigilant, and if Xiaodengzi hadn’t been sharp and efficient, this would have turned into an inescapable trap.

Layue was not someone who hesitated. She immediately ordered Jinxin and Xiaodengzi.

“You two, take this item with you. We are going to see the Empress Dowager.”

They exchanged a glance and both agreed.

She changed into a bright red brocade coat, styled her hair into a serpent bun, pinned on a golden hairpin with dangling tassels, and put on a white feathered cloak. She looked dazzlingly beautiful. If others were trying to make her life difficult, how could she not return the favor?

She didn’t need any evidence, just these two pieces of incense from the Western Regions.

She glanced at Xiaodengzi and smiled.

He had done a good job with this preliminary investigation.

Even though the emperor favored her more, she knew that in matters like this, it was wiser to seek help from the Empress Dowager.

Standing at the entrance of Huici Palace, she looked stubborn and determined.

Maid Gui, upon hearing the report, informed the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager’s relationship with Layue was naturally much closer than with other palace residents.

Hearing that she had come early in the morning, the Empress Dowager nodded.

With a meaningful smile toward Maid Gui, she said, “She’s quite clever.”

Maid Gui poured tea for the Empress Dowager and replied, “Even if she’s clever, she’s still in the palm of the Empress Dowager and the emperor. Where could she possibly go?”

The Empress Dowager laughed, “Go and summon her in. I want to see what she’s going to do.”

Although Layue had waited for a while at the gate, she still maintained her calm demeanor.

“Please go in quickly, Consort Chun. The Empress Dowager has asked you to enter quickly; it’s quite cold today.”

Layue followed the eunuch inside. As soon as she saw the Empress Dowager, her eyes turned red and she immediately knelt down with a sob.