The Empress's expression softened, because Xueying's words made sense.

"I suspect it must be that one from Yikun Palace! Besides her and myself, who else could dare to mess with Changchun Palace! Haha, if Your Majesty can find out who it is, I'll be even happier. With two people eliminated at once, your cousin will have no obstacles left," the Empress said.

Xueying carefully observed the Empress's expression, secretly making a plan in her mind.

After having breakfast with the Empress, she made an excuse to leave the main hall.

The master and servant strolled out of Jingyang Palace and headed towards the Imperial Garden.

"A'Luo, let's go to Changchun Palace!" Xueying suddenly stopped and said.

"Princess, the Empress just said that if she finds out you're going to Changchun Palace now, what will happen?" A'Luo said worriedly.

“We can’t worry about that now. We need to sneak away, take a less traveled route, and not let anyone notice. Time is of the essence for him right now. I have to go and tell Consort Xi immediately to turn her attention to Consort Nian,” Xueying said.

The master and servant took a side path through the palace towards Changchun Palace.

At this moment, Lanqin had just returned from the Prince's residence. She had stayed by Hongli's side for a day and a night, and it was only after the Fourth Prince persuaded her to come back and rest for a while that she returned; otherwise, she would still be staying by Hongli's side now.

"Your Majesty, Princess Xueying has arrived outside and says she wishes to see you!" Baoqin entered Lanqin's inner room and spoke to Lanqin, who was lying on the bed.

"Her?" Lanqin wasn't actually asleep either, because she really couldn't sleep. Although she had been by Hongli's side for a day and a night, she just couldn't sleep soundly.

“Your Highness, I told you that you were resting, but she said she came about something concerning the Prince and insisted on seeing you,” Baoqin said in a low voice.

Upon hearing this, Lanqin immediately sat up in bed and hurriedly said, "Quickly, let her in!"

A moment later, Lanqin, supporting Nianxia's hand, walked out of the inner room, where Xueying and her maid were already standing inside.

"Xueying greets Consort Xi!" Xueying quickly curtsied.

"Get up. Baoqin said you came about Hongli. Get to the point!" Lanqin stared at Xueying. She had already thought it through in her mind; this time, Hongli's troubles were either caused by Jingyang Palace or Yikun Palace. No one else had the power to dare to make a move.

“Your Majesty, I’m certain that the poisoning of the Fourth Prince was done by Consort Nian, not my aunt.” Xueying had never seen Lanqin so stern before.

"Oh? How can you be so sure? Or is it?" Lanqin's usual gentleness vanished, and the light in her eyes seemed to see right through Xueying.

“Because I just tested my aunt. She said she didn’t do it, and based on my judgment, it shouldn’t be my aunt. Now that Her Majesty has found the source of the poison as soon as possible, one less suspect means one more hope for the Fourth Prince,” Xueying said.

Lanqin was secretly pleased. Xueying was right; time was of the essence for Hongli right now. If they could identify the poisoner as soon as possible, they would have a better chance of finding the source of the poison.

"Why are you helping me?" Lanqin still dared not relax.

"Your Majesty is mistaken. Xueying is only helping herself. The Fourth Prince is Xueying's future husband. If something happens to him, Xueying will be a widow before she even gets married. Xueying doesn't want to be laughed at before she even leaves the house," Xueying said firmly.