"What exactly happened after I left the palace?"

She later inquired about Hui Niang's whereabouts, but heard from her good brother that Hui Niang had poisoned their father's food and had been executed.

This is also one of the reasons why the eldest princess was powerless to reverse the situation, in addition to the betrayal of her confidants. The person was indeed from her palace, and Emperor Chongde could even go so far as to frame her and fabricate a charge of patricide and regicide against her!

But perhaps out of fear of the Qianlin Guard behind her, the other party did not go too far.

A hint of hatred flashed in Hui Niang's eyes. She clenched her fingers tightly to keep herself awake, but her shoulders trembled slightly: "On the third day after His Highness left the palace that year, His Majesty suddenly issued an edict from Yangxin Hall, saying that he wanted to eat the lotus flower pastry from His Highness's palace."

The imperial kitchen could also make these lotus-shaped pastries, but the taste was different from that of the Princess's palace because Hui Niang had modified the recipe.

In addition, the eldest princess had often made these for His Majesty, so Hui Niang had no suspicions and personally made them and delivered them to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

His Majesty was somewhat surprised to see her and said, "You're from Mingyi Palace, what brings you here at this hour?"

Hui Niang immediately sensed something was wrong, and the unusually quiet surroundings made her break out in a cold sweat. She immediately prepared to take her leave.

However, just then, news came from the door that the Second Prince had arrived.

Hui Niang could only step aside, lowering her head to minimize her presence.

What happened next was something Hui Niang would never forget—

The Second Prince was no longer as respectful and humble as usual; his attitude was even aggressive. He openly questioned His Majesty about why he would pass the throne to the Eldest Princess!

His Majesty's expression shifted rapidly. He had only drafted the edict of succession a few days ago; how could he have known about it if it weren't for the Second Prince's spies in the Hall of Mental Cultivation?

"You scoundrel! Who gave you the audacity to speak to me like that?"

His Majesty was so angry that he coughed violently, and Hui Niang, who was listening nearby, was terrified.

"Guards, seize this rebellious son for me!"

However, the hall was unusually quiet, without any movement.

Not to mention His Majesty, even Hui Niang noticed something was wrong at this point!

The second prince came prepared; he produced a new imperial edict and forced His Majesty to alter it.

How could the emperor tolerate this?

"You unfilial son, this is... a coup!"

The atmosphere was tense. Hui Niang's clothes were already soaked with cold sweat. She quickly thought of a solution, then suddenly stood up and rushed outside, shouting at the top of her lungs, "Guards! The Second Prince is plotting a rebellion!"

She thought that shouting for help would attract the Imperial Guards, but instead she was met with cold blades.

Hui Niang collapsed to the ground, her face deathly pale, only then realizing the situation.

If he hadn't made ample preparations, how could the Second Prince have dared to take such a risky move?

She heard angry roars coming from inside the hall. Hui Niang wanted to go back to help, but she was held at knifepoint by two guards and couldn't move.

When there was no more sound from inside, the Second Prince emerged, impeccably dressed, his face still bearing a mixture of a smile and a ferocity, making him appear particularly distorted.

He glanced coldly at Hui Niang, narrowed his eyes, and said, "What a good dog. In that case, you may go and be buried with the late emperor."

"Wait a moment, your prince will be here shortly."

Hui Niang felt as if she had fallen into an ice cave.

"..."