The air in Yanxi Palace felt thick and stifling as though charged with the weight of the accusations that hung over the gathering. Each concubine held her breath, casting wary glances at one another as they waited for the guards to return.
Adjacent to the main seat where the emperor sat alongside Noble Consort ling at the center of the hall, was Consort Xian sitting still and motionless,her expression calm but her eyes dark with determination. she was not a newbie to trials of forbidden city and if she was to face this, she would do so with her head held high, unbowed by the circumstances.
Beside her, Noble Consort Ling's face was painted with mingled grief and fury, a thin veil of tears clouding her gaze as she clutched a handkerchief. Her fingers twisted the fabric in a white-knuckled grip, as if hoping to wring from it some relief of the anguish gnawing at her. Meanwhile, Consort Shu, who sat opposite Consort Xian on the other roll, maintained a poised countenance, her lips pressed in a faint smile, though beneath the surface her thoughts churned with new possibilities.
In the silence, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the palace, growing louder towards the hall as the guards finally returned from their Search. The head eunuch, Eunuch Liu bowed in a show of deference, entered first, carrying an object in his gloved hands. His face was grave as he knelt before the Emperor, presenting the item as he spoke in a low, steady voice. "Your Majesty, we have completed the search at Chengqian Palace."
The Emperor, seated rigidly with a barely contained impatience, leaned forward, his voice taut. "Well? What did you find?"..he asked.
Eunuch Liu held up a small green bottle, its glass surface gleaming under the light. Inside, a translucent liquid caught the attention of everyone in the room. Immediately, murmurs rippled through the assembled concubines, their expressions shifting from curiosity to horror as they realized what the bottle might contain.
Consort Shu's heartbeat quickened, her expression flickering just for a moment. It was the same bottle—the one she had discreetly handed to Wanying not so long ago. The plan she had carefully crafted was still unfolding, but in an unexpected direction. Her eyes darted briefly to Consort Xian, who seemed equally stunned, her face drained of color.
Consort Xian stepped forward without hesitation, her voice trembling but defiant. "Your Majesty, I have no knowledge of this bottle or its contents." Her gaze flickered to Eunuch Liu as she asked "Where… where exactly was this found?"
The head eunuch, keeping his head respectfully lowered, replied, "It was discovered in the main chamber of Chengqian Palace, hidden among your personal belongings, Niang Niang."
A gasp rippled through the room with Consort Xian almost losing her footing. Noble Consort Ling's sorrow turned to rage, her voice sharp with accusation. "And you dare to deny it, Consort Xian? You sent the cookies, you harbored poison, and yet here you stand, claiming innocence?".. Ling questioned, furious.
The Emperor's face darkened, his eyes narrowing at Consort Xian. "So," he began, his voice low, "not only did you have the means but also the opportunity to harm the prince. Explain yourself now, Xian, or face the consequences."
Consort Xian straightened, her voice cutting through the tension as she faced him directly. "Your Majesty, I understand the severity of the situation at hand . But I swear to you, I had no part in this poison, nor any intent to harm the prince. The cookies were sent as a gesture of goodwill; I had no knowledge of how they were prepared."
Consort Shu remained silent, though inside she seethed with equal parts of admiration and frustration. Wanying had not merely followed her suggestion—she had laid a trap so precise that it could ensnare even the most meticulous consort. It was a deft, dangerous move, and one that placed Consort Shu in an ideal position to press the advantage. Watching the Emperor's cold gaze settle on Consort Xian, she allowed herself a moment of satisfaction. Perhaps she could use this to end Xian's influence once and for all.
The Emperor's voice was like steel. "Do you expect us to believe that a bottle of poison simply found its way into your quarters by accident?"
"Perhaps…" Consort Xian hesitated, realizing the precariousness of her position. Her mind raced, piecing together any possible explanation. "Perhaps someone planted it there, Your Majesty. You know well that enemies lurk in every shadow of the Forbidden City."
Concubine Hua's laughter rang out, cutting through the air like a blade. "Hiao!!..Enemies, Xian fei? The only enemy here seems to be your ambition. You've always sought favor, always fought for attention, and now you pretend to be the victim?"
Concubine Jia joined in, her eyes gleaming with a cold satisfaction. "If you were indeed innocent, Xian fei , would the evidence so conveniently lead to your very chambers?"
Noble Consort Ling turned to the Emperor, her voice raw with emotion. "Your Majesty, how much longer must we tolerate this denial? Chenyi is our son, our only child together—are we to ignore the threat to his life?"
The Emperor glanced at her, a flicker of sympathy softening his expression. He then turned back to Consort Xian, the sympathy evaporating. "Your evasions are not enough, Xian. If you cannot provide a sound explanation, we will treat this as an act of treason."
Consort Xian inhaled sharply, the weight of the accusation pressing down on her. She could feel the other concubines' gazes on her, their expressions gleeful or indifferent, save for Consort Shu, who watched with a detached curiosity. Xian's mind whirred, knowing she had little room left to maneuver.
"Your Majesty, I would never betray the palace or its people," she implored, her voice softer but steady. "If I am allowed, I request a thorough investigation. I am willing to open all my quarters, speak to any who would question me, for I am innocent."
The Emperor regarded her for a moment, and in that silence, Consort Shu saw an opening. She rose gracefully, inclining her head...."Your Majesty, Consort Xian raises a fair point. The reputation of our noble palace rests on fairness and truth. If Consort Xian is truly innocent, a thorough investigation would only serve to clear her name. But…" She paused, a subtle smile curling her lips. " Questioning everyone at Chengqian Palace would serve us better in this case and If any evidence is found of malicious intent, it would also ensure that justice is served without delay."
The Emperor's eyes softened slightly at Consort Shu's words, his respect for her judgment evident. "Very well," he replied. "Let it be as Consort Shu suggests."
The words sent a ripple of surprise through the hall. Consort Xian's relief was palpable, though she kept her face composed. Noble Consort Ling, however, was incensed, her voice rising in protest. "Your Majesty, are we to ignore the clear evidence before us?"
But Consort Shu turned to her, her voice smooth yet firm. "Guifei Niang Niang, we all grieve for the prince's condition, and we share in your desire for justice. But hasty judgments only benefit the true culprit. Would you not agree?"
Noble Consort Ling hesitated, her rage tempered by the reason in Shu's words. She looked away, her silence representing agreement. The Emperor nodded, his gaze settling once more on Consort Xian. "Until the investigation concludes, you are still guilty Consort Xian. You may thank Consort Shu for this reprieve."
Consort Xian nodded solemnly, returning to her seat , glancing briefly at Shu, with lots of suspicion in her eyes. "Thank you, Your Majesty..," she murmured.
But as we all know Shu, her thoughts were far from compassionate. She had only one aim: to see Xian unravel, slowly and irrevocably. And now, armed with the knowledge of Wanying's cunning, she knew exactly how to push each piece into place.