Chapter 87:

It seemed that nowadays, no matter what happened in the palace, Layue would instinctively think in complicated terms.

Of course, this was also a human instinct.

Although the struggles in the harem were not as intense as those in the court, they were fierce in their own way.

Everyone was making various efforts just to secure a place for themselves in the palace.

Although Chen Yulan always looked for opportunities to make things difficult for others, would she really be so foolish as to cause such a big commotion and end up getting herself entangled in it?

Layue had no desire to get involved in Chen Yulan’s affairs. After finishing her morning grooming, she took out her small basket of embroidery supplies and began working with her hands.

Regardless of the rumors and disputes outside, she only needed to live cautiously and carefully, which was not a bad way to go.

However, plans often changed faster than expected. Not long after, Xiaodengzi rushed quickly to the door, panting heavily.

“Reporting to the mistress…”

His voice was neither loud nor soft. Jin Xin immediately walked out. Perhaps because of running too fast, Xiaodengzi’s face was slightly red.

“Has something happened? Why are you in such a panic?”

“Sister Jin Xin, haven’t you heard the big news? Lady Bai, she’s gone.”

Lady Bai is gone?

Jin Xin was also startled and quickly led Xiaodengzi into the inner chamber.

Layue had good hearing and had already heard the conversation outside. Although she was somewhat surprised inside, she did not show it.

Xiaodengzi hurriedly said, “Mistress, just now I met a little maid from the Empress Dowager’s palace at the gate. When she saw me, she said that the Empress Dowager had sent word asking all the palace’s main mistresses to gather at Huici Palace. Lady Bai… she’s gone.”

Bai Xiaodie is dead? Just moments ago, Taor was talking about her, and now this person is already dead?

Thinking back to how she had once hated her bitterly, and how even after reincarnation she had been extremely unwelcoming, and how she had constantly been seeking ways to eliminate her, yet this person had just… died?

How utterly ridiculous.

“Did she say anything else?”

Xiaodengzi shook his head. “No. After informing us, the little maid had to go to other palaces to deliver the message.”

Layue nodded. “Jin Xin, help me change clothes. Xiaodengzi, you may go now.”

“Yes.” After Xiaodengzi left, Taor followed out the door as well. Naturally, this was not just to give the mistress and Jin Xin some space to talk. It was also to guard against eavesdropping.

In the Empress Dowager’s small Buddhist hall for just over ten days, Taor had become even more alert under Jin Xin’s guidance.

“Mistress, don’t you think this matter seems somewhat strange? Just now she was being punished with kneeling, and now she’s dead. She’s just a minor concubine; her death shouldn’t matter much. Yet the Empress Dowager is making such a big deal about summoning everyone to Huici Palace. Could there be something wrong?” Jin Xin analyzed.

“Of course there’s something wrong. If there wasn’t, why would she summon everyone? I suspect that Bai Xiaodie definitely didn’t die naturally. But considering she was just kneeling in punishment and then suddenly died, it’s quite suspicious. I wonder what role Yulan’s cousin plays in this matter.”

Layue stretched her arms out as Jin Xin removed her outerwear and helped her change into proper attire for going out.

It was hot, and Layue had dressed quite loosely inside, which wasn’t suitable for going outside.

Today Layue changed into an emerald green palace dress. If she wore something cheerful after such an incident, even if the Empress Dowager didn’t say anything, she might still have some concerns. While a person is alive, no matter how fierce the conflict, once they die, it naturally stirs some sympathy.

As for whether the Emperor and the Empress Dowager had anything to do with Bai Xiaodie’s death, Layue thought it unlikely. If they were involved, why would the Empress Dowager even bother investigating? However, as for Chen Yulan having absolutely nothing to do with this matter, Layue simply couldn’t believe it. Her cousin had a big heart; that wasn’t a problem in itself, but if she had a big heart and couldn’t keep her composure, then it would be problematic.

“Jin Xin, you stay here. Let Tao accompany me over there.”

Although Jin Xin was careful, everyone knew she was Layue’s confidante. Tao had a more lively personality, enjoyed gossip, and was good at detecting abnormalities, making her a good choice for this situation.

Tao naturally agreed.

Layue didn’t move quickly, but coincidentally, Huici Palace wasn’t too far away, so although she wasn’t among the first to arrive, she wasn’t among the last few either. After entering the room and paying her respects, she sat quietly in her usual seat, waiting patiently.

Seeing the Empress Dowager’s expression getting worse and worse, Layue deeply felt sympathy for those who were late.

However, obviously, although the Empress Dowager looked displeased, she didn’t say anything, merely giving a faint “Hmph,” which was almost inaudible, yet unmistakably present.

Once everyone had arrived, Madam Gui coughed lightly and began speaking, “Today, Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has summoned all of you here regarding the matter of Lady Bai. I suppose some of you already know what has happened, while others are still in the dark. Regardless, this old servant will explain the details again. Those who have already sent people to investigate can listen again for completeness.”

This statement made everyone’s hearts race, and the implied meaning in the words made some feel uneasy.

Everyone kept their heads lowered, and it was impossible to discern anything from their expressions.

Madam Gui glanced at the young concubines below and continued without delay: “This afternoon, Concubine Chen and Lady Bai quarreled over a trivial matter and went to Lady Qi for judgment. It happened that Lady De was also there. Both of them ruled fairly and impartially. However, after being punished, Lady Bai could not bear it and hanged herself in her own room. Originally, this matter would have been settled, but the imperial physician discovered suspicious circumstances. It turns out Lady Bai was not hanged but was instead killed and then hanged afterward.”

Being hanged doesn’t necessarily mean one of them did it. Many people were secretly grumbling in their hearts.

However, under such circumstances, they naturally remained obedient and waited for Madam Gui to continue speaking, after all, Madam Gui represented the Empress Dowager.

Although the Empress Dowager remained silent at the upper seat, everyone understood that she was observing their reactions.

Lady Hui raised her head: “I wonder whether Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has any clues regarding this matter.”

Since Fu Jinyao was promoted to the rank of concubine, she had become bolder in her actions. Perhaps she had realized that no matter how respectful she was, the Empress Dowager would still not like her, so she had become somewhat more open in her demeanor.

As long as the proper etiquette was maintained, it was fine.

Layue lowered her head and blinked, seemingly thinking that since the eldest prince’s illness, Lady Hui had changed.

The Empress Dowager smiled slightly, and Madam Gui quickly spoke up: “All the maids and eunuchs around Lady Bai have already been sent to the Shen Xing Si. It was only after this that Her Majesty the Empress Dowager learned that many people from the various palaces had placed their own people with Lady Bai.”

Layue did not raise her head. After all, she herself had not done anything. Let them do whatever they wanted. She knew that unless one was in a high position, one wouldn’t have such an opportunity.

After Madam Gui’s lengthy explanation, the Empress Dowager, who had been turning her prayer beads, finally spoke: “Without rules, there can be no order. This palace is not a place where anyone can do as they please. You entered the palace to bring honor to your families and serve the Emperor. It was not for you to harm others and resort to all sorts of evil schemes. Both I and the Emperor have eyes to see. Don’t think that everything can be done in secret without being noticed.”

This statement was heavy, but at this moment, those who truly had something to hide could not help but feel fear.

The Empress Dowager cast a sidelong glance at a few people whose expressions were unnatural but did not show much reaction.

Bai Xiaodie is dead. Speaking of her, she truly was someone who committed many misdeeds. Numerous disputes within the palace were secretly instigated by her, and many of the palace’s misfortunes bore her involvement. Not only did she resort to poisoning, but she also engaged in even more heinous acts. However, none of these justify any of you taking her life. Lady De, as the sole first-rank consort, you must properly explain to me how the character “De (Virtue)” is written.

The Empress Dowager had been talking about Bai Xiaodie’s wrongdoings, but suddenly shifted the topic to Lady De.

Lady De immediately knelt down, tears streaming down her face like a pear blossom in the rain: “Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, I am innocent.”

“Since you claim innocence, I have evidence. Now, the little maid from the Shen Xing Si will surely have a good talk with the senior maid from your side.”

Regardless of the actual situation, upon hearing this, Lady De, after a brief pause, vigorously shook her head: “I did not do it. I swear on my life, I absolutely did not harm Lady Bai. I absolutely did not.”

Layue carefully observed and noticed a lot of anger in Lady De’s eyes. If she had truly been exposed, wouldn’t there be more than just this? Could it be that she was really framed?

Just like when she first heard about Chen Yulan and Bai Xiaodie being punished with kneeling, she immediately had some suspicions.

Today’s incident was surely another scheme.

“I do not wish it to be you. You are Jia’er’s mother, the highest-ranking consort of the Emperor. If Lady De, who bears the title ‘De,’ could do such a thing, how could she deserve the character ‘De’? How could she deserve the Emperor’s trust? When I first heard of this matter, I immediately reported it to the Emperor. After much deliberation, the Emperor only said one sentence: ‘I trust Ruo’s character. This matter must be thoroughly investigated to clear her name.’ The Emperor trusts you, and I also want to trust you. However, Lady De, with the evidence present, how can I trust you? Now, you tell me what should be done next.”

If it weren’t in Huici Palace, Layue would have almost laughed out loud. This Empress Dowager was truly ruthless without spilling blood. With such words, Lady De herself might not realize it, but from Layue’s perspective, this was creating a lot of hatred towards Lady De.

That sentence, “I trust Ruo’s character. This matter must be thoroughly investigated to clear her name,” was the sharpest weapon of all.

How many women who longed for the Emperor’s genuine affection would come to hate this sentence with a passion.

From this, Layue could already see that Lady De would definitely be safe this time, but she would inevitably be drawn into even more palace intrigues.

Seemingly considerate words, how could they not be laced with poison that corroded the hearts of others?