“Now it seems so. Unless it was done by the eldest prince himself, but if it was the eldest prince himself, why would he say it out loud?” Yun Ji said.

“Since none of the Crown Prince’s people admit it, they must be innocent. It’s not appropriate to torture the other princes’ people directly.” Yan Nangui shook her head: “However, cursing me is not a big deal. I don’t believe in such things. But if this trend isn’t investigated, I’m afraid they will do even more outrageous things in the future.”

“Yes, this is no small matter. In my opinion, we should investigate this thoroughly. It shouldn’t be difficult to find out who has been visiting the First Prince recently,” said Consort Xiangxian.

"Then let's go back first and call the women of the harem over." Yan Nangui stood up.

Shu Chengfeng nodded: "Go ahead, I'll have lunch at your place."

Yan Nangui smiled and said okay.

Before long, everyone gathered at Zhaochun Palace.

Jiang Xiang recounted the events, and Consort Ning's face paled as she stood up: "This must be a false accusation. If the First Prince had done it, he certainly wouldn't have gone to His Majesty himself, would he?"

“You don’t need to be nervous. Whether someone else framed the Crown Prince or the Crown Prince framed someone else, His Majesty will make his own decision. However, I will also investigate,” Yan Nangui said.

“Yes, now it seems the Crown Prince is innocent. If he did it himself, he shouldn’t have gone to His Majesty,” Consort Ke said. “But it depends on how you look at it. What if the Crown Prince framed someone else? His actions yesterday were deliberate. If they can’t find out what happened to those around him, they should suspect the other princes.”

“What Consort Ke said makes sense,” said Consort Yi.

“If that’s the case, then I still think the Crown Prince is wronged. Just the other day, Consort Chen arranged a marriage for him and even had Consort Ning go to see it. It should be a good thing, right? Why is he so eager to curse the Consort? He’s probably been framed. Maybe Consort Chen will get angry and stop interfering with his marriage.” Consort Shun said.

“Yes, what Sister Shun said makes sense,” An Jieyu added.

"In any case, he can't escape this palace. To put it bluntly, people outside are anxious to establish a crown prince." Yan Nangui smiled.

"Then I need not worry, for I have no hope of it anyway," Consort Jia said with a smile.

“There are only a few princes who have grown up.” Zhuang Lingyi smiled. “I am a straightforward person, please don’t take offense, sisters. Since the Noble Consort and the Virtuous Consort have invited everyone here, it means that everyone should have something to say.”

“You’re right. Just say whatever you want to say,” Yan Nangui said.

"Thank you, Your Highness. From what I've heard from you ladies, you're all thinking about the princes who have grown up. That makes sense, but have you all considered why it's Consort Chen's birth date? Why not His Majesty's? Or Consort Xiangxian's?"

"Although Consort Chen may not care about this, it is still witchcraft, how terrifying! If Consort Chen is really harmed, who will benefit the most? It would harm both the older princes and Consort Chen. Who would be the most pleased?"

Almost instantly, everyone's eyes turned to Consort Xiangxian.

Consort Xiang was furious: "Zhuang Lingyi, you are slandering me!"

"Your Majesty, I have no past grievances or present hatred with Consort Xiangxian. Since we are speaking freely, I will naturally say what comes to mind. Others may have doubts, but you cannot?" Zhuang Lingyi said aggrievedly.

“Yes, why is Sister Xiang so temperamental? What Consort Zhuang said makes sense,” Consort He said with a smile.

“Yes, it is a bit blunt, but it is also a possibility. After all, His Majesty has no legitimate sons, so if he were to establish a crown prince, any son born of a concubine would be a possibility. If he were to establish one now, the eldest son would certainly be given priority. What about the other younger princes?” Consort Ke said.

Upon hearing this, Li Xiaoyi understood: "If Consort Ke says so, then there's another suspicious one. Consort Mei is also suspicious. Her two princes are favored, but they can't compare to Consort Chen's favor. If she were to scheme against both the older prince and Consort Chen, wouldn't that be killing two birds with one stone?"

Consort Mei said coldly, "If you have evidence, then bring it; if not, then shut up. What business is it of yours to discuss my affairs? His Majesty and the Noble Consort will handle it."

"Alright, alright, my sisters, calm down. I was underestimating things. It seems I was also part of this scheme. Over the years, I've served His Majesty more, which has indeed been a burden to you sisters," Yan Nangui said with a smile.

“Sister Chen, that’s not right. Does His Majesty have the right to decide who he likes and who he wants to visit? I also want to be favored, but if His Majesty doesn’t like me, I can only accept my fate. Do you think that if you stop serving me, Sister Chen, His Majesty will still come to my place every day?” Zhuang Lingyi said with a smile.

"Sister Zhuang is so good with words," Hui Lingyi said with a smile.

"Alright, that's all for today. Go back and check yourselves. If there's anything wrong, it's not too late. Sister Xiang, shall we go and talk to the Empress Dowager?" Yan Nangui said.

"Fine." Consort Xiangxian, though full of anger, could only smile.

Although her status remains the same, it is not as good as before.

At least in the past, which low-ranking concubine would dare to say so much to her?

After everyone left, the two headed towards the Empress Dowager. On the way, Consort Xiangxian said, "Sister, you don't suspect me either, do you?"

"Sister, you jest. I don't doubt you. But the person behind this is too ruthless. I'm afraid they have more than just a two-birds-with-one-stone scheme," Yan Nangui said.

“Yes, the princes have all grown up, and they’re no longer just thinking about vying for His Majesty’s favor,” said Consort Xiangxian.

"So you see, it's actually less troublesome for me since I don't have any princes. His Majesty trusts me more. I believe I've treated the princes fairly. So those who are scheming are just using me as a pawn," Yan Nangui said.

“That’s because you are important to His Majesty. Otherwise, this raft wouldn’t have been able to be built,” said Consort Xiangxian.

As they were talking, they arrived at Ruining Palace.

The Empress Dowager, of course, gave a lecture.

In the Jade Lotus Palace, Consort Ning met the First Prince.

The mother and son naturally brought up the matter.

"Who on earth is so cruel? Isn't this going to ruin you?"

"It must be the third prince and his mother!" the eldest prince roared.

"Not necessarily. It's not certain if Consort Chen is involved. What Zhuang Lingyi said today makes sense. Consort Chen has been favored for many years, and it's not easy for a newly promoted concubine to rise to prominence. It's not impossible for them to harm her, and incidentally harm you as well. It might even cause His Majesty to become suspicious of the Third Prince because of this."

The eldest prince frowned.

"It's fortunate that you delivered the things to your father in time. Now, at least your father believes you. Even if he had some doubts, he still believes you." Consort Ning sighed.

They weren't the only ones who were angry; Consort Xiangxian was also furious.