Chapter 104 Using a borrowed knife to kill

Qin Huai'an cursed his own stupidity in his heart, but on the surface he remained respectful and patiently explained.

“Your Majesty, a direct murder leaves too many traces. After all, Consort Niohuru was a concubine appointed by the Emperor. If she were to die mysteriously in Kunning Palace, the Emperor would be furious and order a thorough investigation. At that time, all the clues would inevitably point to Your Majesty, and the consequences would be unimaginable. In this harem, the most skillful way to kill is never to do it yourself, but to use someone else to do it, to use palace rules and laws to put someone to death, leaving them with no way to defend themselves. Even if the Emperor wanted to protect her, he would be powerless to do so.”

"oh?"

The Empress became completely interested and sat up slightly.

"How exactly should it be done? Explain it to me in detail."

Qin Huai'an leaned closer, lowering his voice even further, almost whispering in her ear.

"Your Majesty, as long as someone dies in Kunning Palace, and it's someone of high enough status, and we set a trap to catch them red-handed, we can pin the murder charge firmly on Consort Niohuru. At that time, with witnesses and physical evidence, the case will be irrefutable. Even if the Emperor has doubts and wants to protect her, you can inform the Hesheli family of the previous dynasty to exert pressure there. For the sake of justice, the Emperor will have no choice but to order Consort Niohuru's execution."

The Empress suddenly understood and pressed for an answer.

"You mean, find a scapegoat, stage the scene to look like Niohuru was murdered? And then plant a murder weapon like a dagger with her mark on it?"

"Your Majesty is wise."

Qin Huai'an nodded in agreement and continued to guide the discussion.

"However, the identity of the dead person is crucial. If she is just an ordinary palace maid or eunuch, she is too insignificant to bring a case against a concubine. She must be someone who is important enough that her death can cause a stir, and most importantly, give the Hesheli family a legitimate reason to exert pressure."

It took the Queen a while to understand his implication: there was only one person in the palace who could give Hesheli an excuse to exert pressure.

Her heart trembled, and she spoke hesitantly.

"You mean... Granny Jing?"

Qin Huai'an nodded heavily, his tone clearly inflammatory.

“Indeed, Granny Jing was your mother’s dowry maid. She is very respected in the mansion and the palace, and she is also your right-hand woman. If she dies at the hands of Consort Niohuru, you will surely be heartbroken and furious. How could the Hesheli family let it go? At that time, Consort Niohuru will be doomed.”

The Empress gave Qin Huai'an a deep look, and a chill rose from the bottom of her heart.

How ruthless to use someone else to do your dirty work! What a brilliant two-birds-with-one-stone strategy!

It not only helped her get rid of Niohuru, her enemy, but also cleared away the biggest obstacle on Qin Huai'an's path to power.

She sighed inwardly, realizing that she had truly underestimated this unassuming chief eunuch.

After careful consideration, it is indeed feasible, but Granny Jing…

She is ultimately her mother's person, and she always puts the overall interests of the Hesheli family first, so she may not necessarily be of one mind with her.

What does it matter to sacrifice an old nanny in order to avenge Chenghu and get rid of that wicked woman, Niohuru?

The desire for revenge completely overwhelmed the last hesitation in his heart.

She hesitated for a moment, then her eyes were filled with ruthlessness and determination.

"Alright, we'll go with your plan, Qin Huai'an. You'll be in charge of planning this matter. Make sure it's thorough and meticulous, and leave no room for error. Once it's done, you'll be in charge of all affairs in Kunning Palace."

Qin Huai'an was overjoyed and could hardly contain his smile.

However, he appeared increasingly respectful and humble, bowing deeply.

"Yes, Your Majesty! This servant will do his utmost to plan and resolve Your Majesty's difficulties. This servant will now withdraw to carefully consider the details and will report the specific implementation plan to Your Majesty tomorrow."

The empress waved her hand, signaling him to step down.

Watching Qin Huai'an's departing figure, she slowly lay back down on the phoenix bed.

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The following day, the atmosphere in the Kunning Palace's sleeping quarters was somber.

Led by Qin Huai'an, a large group of palace maids and eunuchs knelt on the ground, each holding their breath and not daring to raise their heads.

These were all people Qin Huai'an had carefully selected, either through coercion or bribery, to win over.

They were the witnesses and accomplices he needed to carry out his plan.

He brought them to see the Empress to borrow her authority.

He completely established his absolute authority in the Kunning Palace.

Empress Hesheli sat upright on her phoenix couch, her face still haggard, but her eyes sharp.

She surveyed the kneeling crowd below, her voice carrying an undeniable authority.

"Listen carefully, all of you. From this day forward, Chief Steward Qin Huai'an's words are my words, and his orders are the decrees of Kunning Palace. You only need to obey; there's no need to ask why. Do whatever Chief Steward Qin tells you to do. Anyone who outwardly obeys but inwardly disobeys..."

She gave a cold snort, the unspoken meaning of which sent chills down one's spine.

Recently, the Empress has become unpredictable because of the matter concerning the young prince, and has found excuses to have many palace servants beaten to death.

"This servant/this maidservant respectfully obeys the Empress's decree."

The crowd responded in unison, their voices trembling.

Qin Huai'an was secretly pleased, but on the surface he became even more respectful and bowed to the Empress.

"Your Highness, everything is ready. What do you think of Granny Jing?"

A fierce glint flashed in the Empress's eyes as she resolutely spoke.

"Since I have already agreed, I will no longer interfere with the process. Just do it. With so many people, if you can't even handle an old nanny, what use are you to me? Once the people are dealt with, bring the little prince to the bedchamber."

"Yes, Your Majesty! This servant understands."

That's exactly what Qin Huai'an wanted to hear.

He turned around, facing the kneeling crowd, his face instantly transforming into a cold and murderous expression.

"Get up, all of you. Come with me to the side hall to find Granny Jing. Remember, obey orders and act swiftly. Anyone who hesitates even slightly will be severely punished. Don't make a commotion, and absolutely no word will leak out. Once we find her, guard the side hall tightly inside and out. No one is allowed to enter or leave. You all keep watch on each other. Anyone who lurks around suspiciously or tries to pass on messages will be apprehended on the spot. I will deal with them personally afterward. Do you understand?"

"clear!"

The crowd responded solemnly.

The Empress looked at Qin Huai'an's decisive and thorough manner in issuing orders and secretly praised him, adding in her heart.

"Qin Huai'an, this matter is of utmost importance. If there is even the slightest mistake, I will be the first to not spare you."

"This servant will certainly not fail Your Majesty's trust."

Qin Huai'an bowed deeply, then waved his hand.

"Walk!"

The group moved silently yet swiftly toward the side hall where the young prince was.

A tense atmosphere, like the impending storm, filled the air.

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Inside the side hall, Granny Jing was carefully placing the young prince Chenghu, who had just been fed, back into his cradle and gently patting him.

She was Lady Hesheri's dowry maid and had been navigating the Hesheri household for many years, possessing a keen sense of smell.

Yesterday, the Empress suddenly asked her to focus on taking care of the young prince. Although it seemed reasonable, she still felt a vague unease in her heart.

Qin Huai'an was particularly active yesterday, interacting closely with some low-ranking palace maids and eunuchs.

This made her even more vigilant, and she was about to go to the Empress to ask about the situation.

At this moment, the palace door was gently pushed open.

Qin Huai'an wore a smile that appeared respectful but actually concealed a sharp edge.

He led in four or five strong eunuchs.

"Greetings, Granny Jing."

Qin Huai'an gave a forced smile and a greeting.

——————

You won't be lonely on the road to the underworld; I will arrange for Chief Steward Qin to accompany you as well.