"It failed?!"

In the dimly lit, cold palace, Consort Li's voice was icy.

The eunuch beside him was so frightened that his legs went weak and he knelt on the ground, crying, "Your Majesty, please forgive me!"

Although she has been banished to the cold palace, her previous influence remains, and with her father being the prime minister, the servants naturally dare not underestimate her.

Consort Li slammed her teacup to the ground. "Useless! You can't even handle a child. What use are you to me?!"

The eunuch's face was grim. "His Majesty happened to be present this time, so the operation..."

Consort Li's expression was vicious. "Think of a way! We must kill that beast!"

The eunuch looked timid. "His Majesty is furious. The palace is under strict surveillance. Perhaps Your Highness should... forget it."

He was utterly terrified. Wang Jian had personally investigated the matter, and the news had spread like wildfire. He also knew that Ying Zheng doted on Ying Ziyu, and naturally understood that if things continued like this, his head would probably be on the line.

Consort Li's gaze suddenly turned icy. "Let it go? That guy has brought me to this place where there is no light of day, while he himself is living happily with his family. His Majesty even takes him to the morning court and to attend his full moon banquet."

"I am so miserable, yet they live so happily. You want me to let it go?"

The eunuch lowered his head, but couldn't help cursing inwardly.

It's all your own fault!

Why did she have to abandon her status as a concubine and the daughter of the prime minister and instead have to harbor wicked thoughts? Now look what's happened.

What a miserable life to have a master like that!

Seeing that the eunuch remained silent, Consort Li continued, "You must do your job well. Your parents are both in poor health. If you don't bring them back soon, I can't guarantee how long they can hold on."

Upon hearing the words "father" and "mother," the eunuch's face darkened.

If his family's lives weren't in Consort Li's hands, why would he do something so life-threatening?

Consort Li stepped forward and slapped the eunuch's face. "Think of a good way. If that beast doesn't die within ten days, then you can go down to the underworld with your parents."

"You've lost your chance."

Upon hearing that familiar voice, Consort Li trembled and turned around, only to see Ying Zheng leading Wang Jian into the palace.

She suppressed her unease and feigned confusion, asking, "Your Majesty... why is Your Majesty here?"

Ying Zheng cut to the chase, "I thought you would behave yourself after entering the Cold Palace, but I didn't expect you to become even more ruthless and even dare to send someone to murder Yu'er!"

Consort Li panicked for a moment, but then she thought that as long as she didn't admit it, Ying Zheng couldn't do anything to her without evidence.

She had already planned her next move: "Your Majesty, I don't know what you're talking about. I've been in the Cold Palace all this time and have never left. How could I possibly do such a thing?"

With a wave of his hand, Ying Zheng scattered letters in front of Consort Li.

Upon reading the contents of a letter, Consort Li's pupils dilated sharply.

His Majesty actually found these letters?!

No!

impossible!

I clearly had it buried; no one but me can find it...

As she pondered, Consort Li reached out and picked up the letters, beginning to examine them carefully.

The further she looked, the paler and more desperate her face became.

Each letter was written by his own hand and was a genuine document from when he contacted the assassin; they were not forgeries.

These are indeed the evidence that he sent people to kill the prince.

Ying Zheng stared at her with icy eyes, "Do you understand now?"

Consort Li's legs went weak and she knelt on the ground, crying out, "Your Majesty, please investigate! Someone is framing me! I am innocent!"

Ying Zheng sighed softly, "The evidence is irrefutable. Do you still think I'm a fool?"

His eyes immediately turned cold. "To plot against a prince is an unforgivable crime. Imprison him in the imperial prison and be executed on a chosen day!"

······

"Is Consort Li imprisoned in the imperial prison?" Consort Shu received the news inside the palace.

Xiangqin poured tea for Consort Shu, "Yes, I heard that His Majesty found evidence that Consort Li plotted to harm the young master, so he arrested her and said he would execute her!"

Consort Shu's eyes flickered slightly. "Evidence?"

Xiangqin looked at him with admiration, "Your Majesty is truly amazing. Even though it was a situation where there was no way to verify the truth, he found evidence in just a few days."

Consort Shu took a sip of tea and said nothing more.

Xiangqin continued, "His Majesty truly dotes on the young master, showing no mercy even to the Prime Minister's daughter. Your Highness is truly blessed."

Although Consort Li's actions were serious, she was still the daughter of the Prime Minister, and even as the Emperor, he should have shown her some consideration.

But Ying Zheng issued the order to kill directly, without any hesitation, which was truly unexpected.

Consort Shu looked somewhat worried. "It's good that Your Majesty is standing up for Yu'er, but can Your Majesty handle the situation with Prime Minister Feng?"

If Yu'er's actions affected the relationship between the emperor and his ministers, causing discord in the court, then it would be somewhat reprehensible.

Even so, Consort Li must die!

Even if His Majesty doesn't take action, she will find a way to eliminate this scourge.

Anyone who dares to harm Yu'er will be killed without exception!

······

Inside the palace, Ying Zheng was reviewing memorials when Zhao Gao bowed and said, "Your Majesty, Prime Minister Feng requests an audience."

Ying Zheng's eyes flickered slightly.

Is this a accusation?

His gaze was calm. "Approved!"

Feng Quji entered the hall. Perhaps because he had just lost his daughter, his face was haggard and he looked much older.

Feng Quji cupped his hands and respectfully said, "Your humble servant greets Your Majesty!"

Ying Zheng gazed at the memorial in his hand. "No need for formalities."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Feng Quji stood up.

Ying Zheng spoke calmly, "Just say what you want to say."

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