Chapter 204: Poisoning at the Flower Viewing Banquet

On this day, the flower-viewing banquet that everyone had been looking forward to began as scheduled. The palace servants walked hurriedly in every corner of the imperial garden, just to prepare all matters before the arrival of the nobles.

The Queen has hosted such banquets countless times over the years and is extremely familiar with it. She is very confident that no problems will arise at the banquets she hosts.

Soon, the emperor came over accompanied by the queen. Seeing that the imperial garden was decorated more gorgeously, a look of satisfaction flashed in the emperor's eyes.

"The Queen is truly virtuous. I feel particularly relieved to entrust such matters to you. You will not let me down."

After sitting down, the emperor made some insignificant compliments, which has become his usual style when facing the queen.

"Thank you for the compliment, Your Majesty. This is my duty."

The concubines had already taken their seats at the bottom according to their respective positions.

This flower-viewing banquet was originally held to strengthen the relationship between the concubines in the harem, so the emperor made it clear at the beginning that there was no need to invite other outsiders to participate, so now the only people sitting here are people from the palace.

"Your Majesty, it's almost time, don't you think?"

The Queen asked the Emperor for his opinion.

"Let the banquet begin."

Following the emperor's order, the palace maids filed in one after another, carrying dishes and fine wines to the distinguished guests in a well-trained manner.

"The attire of these palace maids today is quite fresh. Not to mention, it looks quite good."

Yana knew nothing about what happened today. Perhaps she was the only one among the people sitting here who was truly focused on the delicious food and wine in front of her.

"Indeed, the flowers are in their prime at this time, and these maids are covering their faces with veils embroidered with flowers, which adds a unique flavor to the scenery."

Zhen Huan slowly agreed with what Concubine Zhao said, but she was laughing in her heart.

I'm afraid even the Queen doesn't know that the reason these maids are dressed like this today is thanks to Jianqiu, the maid beside her.

Jianqiu already knew in advance that Rou Ying was going to take action at this flower viewing banquet. In order to lend her a hand, she specially asked all the palace maids to cover their faces with veils so that Rou Ying could easily blend in.

In fact, when making these preparations, Jianqiu had already put her own life at risk, and she was also prepared for the possibility of being implicated.

But if she can get rid of the person the queen hates, it will be worth it even if it means sacrificing her life.

Jianqiu looked at the Queen silently. After today, there would be no more Zhen Huan and Nian Shilan in the harem, and the Queen would have the Fourth Prince. She would definitely be able to achieve her wish in the future.

Zhen Huan and Nian Shilan, who were always paying attention to Jianqiu, looked at her expression at the moment and looked at each other. It seemed that Jianqiu was completely sure about what she was going to do today.

"Today, all of you are sitting together as a family. I am very happy to see that you are all so harmonious. This is all thanks to the Queen and Concubine Hua's proper management of the harem."

Looking at all the people sitting below, the emperor was extremely happy. The harmony in the harem that he had always wanted was finally achieved.

"Every time I see you all sitting together chatting and laughing, I feel incredibly happy. Today, the Queen Mother was unable to attend due to illness, so she asked me to convey her love and care to you."

"Thank you, Her Majesty, for your concern."

"well."

The emperor smiled, picked up his wine glass, and drank with everyone. For a moment, the scene was very harmonious.

"The Empress and Concubine Hua are in charge of all the affairs of the harem and work very hard every day. The rest of you must not add to their troubles on a daily basis."

The emperor glanced at Yixiu and Nian Shilan, then reminded the other concubines as if he was admonishing them.

"I will remember the emperor's teachings."

Since it is a flower viewing banquet, various dance music related to flowers are indispensable.

As the singing and dancing became more lively, the emperor also put aside his usual serious expression and joined everyone in enjoying the beautiful scenery.

"It's very tiring for Concubine Xi to take care of Lingxi and Hongzhou all day long. You must relax today. Now that they are growing up, the children can play together more often, and you as a mother will feel better too."

"Thank you for your care, Your Majesty. The children are indeed much more sensible now. I don't feel tired at all. Seeing them happy every day makes me feel that it is all worth it."

When talking about her child, Zhen Huan's tone of voice softened a lot, and her expression filled with tenderness and sweetness made the emperor stunned for a moment.

He didn't know if it was his illusion, but he always felt that he hadn't seen such an expression on Zhen Huan's face for a long time, but every time she faced him, she smiled so gently.

Looking at the two older children, Shu and Wen Yi, leading their younger siblings running and jumping back and forth among the flowers not far away, the children's laughter and noises that came from time to time made everyone who heard it smile unconsciously.

"Okay, kids, come on over and have some dessert."

Just as everyone was chatting and laughing, the palace maids appeared again and brought a plate of dessert to everyone's table.

Zhen Huan and Nian Shilan looked at each other at this moment, and were mentally prepared.

Here it comes, this is the last chance. Rou promised that if she wanted to poison him, this would definitely be the time.

Zhen Huan casually looked up and glanced at the palace maid standing in front of her desk.

Although she was wearing the same clothes as the others and her face was also covered with a layer of gauze, Zhen Huan was very sure that the person standing in front of her must be Rou Da Ying.

I saw that her hands holding the tray were shaking unconsciously, as if she was nervous about the upcoming moment.

In fact, Zhen Huan didn't know whether to say Rouying was stupid or admire her blind self-confidence. How could she think that she could poison people in such a public place and still have the confidence to get away with it? Or had she been completely brainwashed by Jianqiu and felt that everything was under her control?

However, these have nothing to do with her. Since she has the courage to stand here, don't blame her for Zhen Huan not leaving her a way out.

What Zhen Huan hasn't figured out is that according to the information from Ling'er, Rou promised to get rid of her and Sister Hua together this time. But now Rou promised is with her, so who is the person with Sister Hua?

"This is a pastry that I specially asked the imperial kitchen to make using fresh flowers. It is very delicious. My sisters, please enjoy it."

The emperor and the empress were the first to pick up a piece of cake and put it in their mouths, and the others followed closely behind.

"Huan'er."

Shen Meizhuang, who was sitting on the other side of Zhen Huan, called out "Zhen Huan" in a low voice, and her trembling tone revealed her inner worries.

"Sister Mei, don't worry, this is quite good, let's try it together."

She knew the fear in Sister Mei's heart, but at this moment, she had to give it a try.

After comforting Shen Meizhuang, Zhen Huan glanced at Nian Shilan. When they looked at each other, both of them saw smiles in each other's eyes. Then, with a hint of determination, she put the pastry in her hand into her mouth.

Jianqiu, who was standing behind the queen, saw their actions clearly. For some reason, she had a bad premonition in her heart.

Soon, something unexpected happened.

"vomit!"

Zhen Huan and Nian Shilan both covered their stomachs, their faces pale. After a while, blood slowly flowed from the corners of their mouths.