Chapter 152:

Recently, the palace has been relatively peaceful and uneventful, with no major incidents or troublemakers causing chaos.

Everyone clearly witnessed the matter involving An Shuyuan not long ago, and now Shen Layue is truly the most prominent figure in the palace.

Some individuals indeed attempted to sow discord by complaining to the Empress Dowager, but unfortunately, the Empress Dowager has not been in good health lately, and the Emperor Jing disliked anyone disturbing her.

Speaking of others, not long ago, Consort Li Yanran went to visit the Empress Dowager and happened to meet the Emperor, only to be reprimanded.

Li Yanran was among the most outstanding of the newly selected maidens.

If someone like her still faced such treatment, naturally others would avoid seeking unnecessary trouble.

This kind of quietness gave Layue a slight sense of unreality.

Especially regarding the Sixth Prince, upon learning that Emperor Jing had allowed Yue Feng to be adopted by the Empress Dowager and betrothed to Fu Jingyu, he showed no reaction at all.

Layue felt that the lack of response often indicated more serious issues, and unexpected problems might arise. However, Emperor Jing had repeatedly assured her that everything would be properly handled, and she need not worry excessively.

Emperor Jing naturally had his own concerns but felt everything was under control. He did not inform Layue that he had already met with the Sixth Prince previously.

“Your Majesty, Laifu has arrived,” Lai Xi whispered.

The Emperor put down his brush and looked toward the entrance.

Laifu bowed slightly.

“Your humble servant greets the Emperor.”

“Have you found anything?”

“Since all suspected smallpox-contaminated items were burned, we cannot determine the exact cause. However, since the Empress remained unscathed while living together with the Emperor, I suspect the problem might have originated from one of the Emperor’s personal belongings. I have listed all items and, together with Laixi, checked them thoroughly without finding anything unusual.”

The Emperor frowned. Laixi and Laifu were both cautious individuals. If they found nothing amiss, there likely was none.

However, the Emperor remained deeply suspicious of the smallpox incident.

Even with his doubts, the Emperor harbored no suspicion toward Layue.

She was human, not divine. Her decision to stay was essentially leaving it to fate, something no one else would dare do.

Not Severe Lie, who was under strict surveillance. If it were indeed Severe Lie’s doing, his prolonged absence from the palace would have certainly triggered further schemes. However, this was not the case.

So it was not him either.

Who was it then? Who was so determined to end his life?

Others might not know, but since his return, he had been thoroughly investigating, and nothing was accidental.

Slipping down the mountain might be an accident, but this definitely was not.

Suddenly, a thought struck him, and he looked up. “What about the inner hall where we prayed?”

Although he felt unwell on the way, it might not have been smallpox. Perhaps the discomfort was due to something other than their usual items, maybe just a mild cold. Then, only he entered the main hall, while Layue did not, so only he fell ill?

Laifu was stunned, then grew serious. “We haven’t thoroughly checked it yet. However, since the Emperor had smallpox, the hall has been sealed. If the hall was indeed the problem, it’s not too late to inspect it now. Your humble servant will arrange for a detailed investigation immediately.”

The Emperor’s eyes darkened. If the hall was confirmed to be the issue, the scope would be significantly narrowed.

After all, very few people had access to the hall.

Nodding, the Emperor recalled another matter.

“Any news from Rosalind?”

Laifu showed no surprise, his voice flat and emotionless. “Father and son Zhou have already taken the bait. We can close in soon. The Xu family has also subtly taken the bait.”

The Emperor smiled happily, but his eyes held no joy.

“In ancient times, there was a woman who caused the downfall of four kingdoms. Today, we might have a saying of a woman destroying several families.”

Laifu dared not respond.

The Emperor nodded and waved his hand. Laifu hurriedly withdrew.

Hearing Laifu’s report, the Emperor’s mood improved significantly regardless.

If a single woman could eliminate all those thorns in his side, why bother devising other plans? Although this method was not elegant, it was effective.

Unexpectedly, the real princess was dead, but the fake one proved extremely useful.

“Your Majesty,” Lai Xi reported at the entrance.

“Speak.”

“Consort Li brings a late-night snack and requests an audience.”

Although this new batch of selected maidens was not as overtly expressive as the previous one, they were not all innocent.

“Refuse her.”

Li Yanran was no innocent either. Although she, like Lian Xiuyun back then, was known as a talented woman, she was much smarter and more considerate, unlike the foolish Lian Xiuyun.

Unfortunately, her timing for entering the palace was poor.

Three years ago, he might have been interested in engaging with her, but now it was impossible, not only because he did not want to hurt Yue’s feelings but also because he disliked the scheming beneath this talented facade.

Did he not know? Compared to Fang Ci’s obvious imitation, her imitation was subtle.

She, too, imitated Shen Layue, but her intelligence lay in not giving others that impression. If he had not developed different feelings for Yue after returning, he might not have noticed this.

Moreover, one thing that greatly intrigued the Emperor was Fang Ci’s behavior. Li Yanran had a gentle personality and got along well with many people, including Fang Ci. Fang Ci was not unintelligent; how could she so naturally mimic Layue in the presence of the original? The Emperor originally did not understand, but when he started paying attention to the affairs of the inner palace, he couldn’t help but suspect Li Yanran.

Perhaps it was Li Yanran who played a role in this.

She was not undeserving of the title of talented woman and was extremely considerate, making her a truly alarming woman.

If she intentionally persuaded or encouraged Fang Ci to act in such a way while subtly imitating Shen Layue from another angle, the comparison would indeed make it easier to gain favor.

Thinking of this, the Emperor sneered coldly with irritation.

The court was in turmoil, and the inner palace was no less chaotic.

“Laixi, go to Qing’an Palace.”

…

***

Although Li Yanran did not see the Emperor, her expression did not show discouragement and she left with a smile.

However, no one knew that on her way back, when no one else was around, her expression turned particularly grim.

“Madam, look at that side…” her maid noticed a suspicious figure ahead.

Li Yanran glanced and quietly instructed her maid, “Dane, go see what’s going on, be careful.”

Dane looked somewhat fearful but still decisively followed the suspicious figure.

Li Yanran resumed her usual demeanor. “Shuang’er, let’s go back first.”

The two slowly departed.

How many women entering the palace did not dream of monopolizing the Emperor’s favor?

Li Yanran was no exception; she would not miss any opportunity, no matter how slight.

As for that suspicious figure, since it was acting so stealthily, it must have something to hide from others.

If she could catch someone else’s wrongdoing, she would gain an advantage in the palace.

However, after waiting for a long time, no one returned.

Shuang’er advised, “Madam, please rest first. I will keep watch. If anything happens, I will wake you.”

Li Yanran nodded in agreement.

However, neither of them expected this to be the last time they would see Dane.

Early the next morning, there was some commotion outside.

Li Yanran had just finished getting ready and was puzzled.

“What happened?”

Shuang’er, who had been by her side, also did not know.

“I don’t know either, I’ll go find out.”

Soon, the news spread.

It turned out that early that morning, a female corpse was discovered near the back gate of Qing’an Palace, and the corpse was none other than Dane, the personal maid of Consort Li.

Although Consort Hui’s rank was lower than that of Noble Consort Shen, since she was currently managing palace affairs, she summoned Noble Consort Shen to explain the matter.

The incident escalated.

Li Yanran was also summoned to Huici Palace.

Layue originally had no intention of dealing with Fu Jingyao, but seeing her boldly coming to her door with an accusing attitude, she felt displeased.

“I don’t think there’s anything to explain. After all, she didn’t die in my Qing’an Palace. Even if she did die here, the Emperor and the Empress Dowager are above me. What does this have to do with you, Consort Hui? I didn’t know a concubine of a lower rank could question a Noble Consort of a higher rank.”

Sitting at the upper seat, Shen Layue’s expression was clearly displeased.

She originally had no intention of dealing with this matter, but Consort Hui insisted on meeting her and even summoned Li Yanran, acting persistently.

Looking at the situation now, it was truly laughable.

Fu Jingyao naturally had her own thoughts. Although her rank was lower than Shen Layue’s and she was not as favored by the Emperor, she always believed that such matters could not be tolerated. Moreover, the woman had to die near the back gate of Qing’an Palace.

She naturally hoped to use this opportunity to defeat Shen Layue completely.

“Although my rank is lower than that of Noble Consort, the Emperor once said that without rules, nothing can be accomplished. Since the person died near the back gate of your Qing’an Palace, you must give an explanation, right?”

Without Shen Layue speaking, even Li Yanran immediately understood Consort Hui’s intention—she hoped to defeat Noble Consort Shen in one fell swoop.

Therefore, she clung to this matter relentlessly. However, she secretly frowned, as even she could immediately detect the loopholes in the argument.

Just dying near the back gate of Qing’an Palace was not solid evidence, and Noble Consort Shen did not need to say much.

However, watching from the sidelines while two tigers fight had always been her specialty.

Thinking thus, she shed a tear.

Seeing her like this upon entering, Consort Hui spoke, “Sister, if you have any grievances, feel free to speak. And regarding Dane, how could she be alone outside?”

Li Yanran bit her lip, seemingly stopping her tears. “Last night, I went to present the Emperor with dessert, but he did not summon me. I was returning with two palace maids when I saw someone acting suspiciously not far from Qing’an Palace. Not knowing what was happening, I sent Dane to check. However, after waiting a long time, she did not return. Since it was cold, Shuang’er advised me not to wait for Dane, so we returned to the palace first. Who would have thought she would not return all night.”

Her words subtly carried multiple meanings, skillfully planting seeds of suspicion in Consort Hui’s mind, making her even more hostile toward Noble Consort Shen. Although Consort Hui was equally displeased with her attempt to please the Emperor, the Emperor had not accepted it. Everyone knew that the Emperor later went to Qing’an Palace, thus shifting the blame onto Shen Layue.

Another point was emphasizing that she was not far from Qing’an Palace. She intentionally highlighted this.

Although she did not believe this time Consort Hui could defeat Noble Consort Shen, making the two confront each other more openly was also beneficial.

After hearing Li Yanran’s words, Consort Hui raised her head and looked at Shen Layue, her expression even more unpleasant.