Chen Jin weighed the pros and cons in his mind, and the "Book of Shang" in his hand seemed to become extremely heavy. He tried to calm his excitement. This discovery was too important, and he could not make a decision on his own. He had to report it to His Majesty as soon as possible.
However, when he turned around and prepared to leave the study, he suddenly stopped and looked back at the bookshelf. The books were quietly placed there, as if telling countless secrets in the palace.
Chen Jin's heart moved, and he suddenly realized that this secret might involve more people and things, and once it was revealed, it might cause an uproar.
At this time, outside the Qianqing Palace, the moonlight had become so dark without anyone noticing, and the night surged in like a huge wave, as if it was going to swallow up the entire world.
Hong Yingrong's response in front of the emperor had come to an end. The faces of the empress dowager and the old lady showed an unconcealable fatigue. In this quiet and depressing night, every sound seemed particularly clear.
Chen Jin stepped forward slowly and bowed. "This servant found some clues in the imperial study. However, this matter is of great importance and requires your Majesty's personal review."
Before Li Longze could signal, the eunuch Chang Bao beside Empress Dowager Lu Fengqing had already stepped forward, took the "Book of Documents" from Chen Jin's hand, and respectfully presented it to the Empress Dowager.
Lu Fengqing glanced at Chen Jin with full of vigilance. She had always wanted to win over Chen Jin, but the cheating in the Spring Examination still made her suspicious and wary. After all, the person most likely to steal the test questions in the Qianqing Palace was none other than Chen Jin.
He slowly opened the book in his hand and finally stopped at the page "On Rewarding Loyalty and Honesty". Lu Fengqing's eyes became deep and complicated at this moment.
"I remember that when Your Majesty was young, he had a habit of unconsciously folding a page when he was fascinated by it," she said with a hint of nostalgia. "I'm afraid that's how he leaked the information about the test questions."
Li Longze sat on the throne, looked up, and a barely perceptible fluctuation flashed in his eyes. He ordered in a deep voice: "In this case, all those who have entered the Qianqing Palace within this month will be interrogated again." Although his voice was calm, it revealed an irresistible force.
Chen Jin lowered his head slightly, standing still like a mountain: "Your Majesty, there is no need to mobilize so many troops." As he spoke, he pointed at the cover of the book with his eyes, as if hinting at something.
Lu Fengqing closed the book in confusion and examined it carefully. In a moment, he noticed a red mark on the title page and frowned. "What is this? Is it ink?"
As she spoke, she leaned in to smell it carefully. "There's also a faint fragrance, like the scent of gardenias?"
Lu Fengqing turned to look at Li Longze in confusion, only to find that the other's face had turned as pale as paper.
The Emperor, who in the past would remain calm even when faced with a mountain collapse, now tightly grasped the dragon-patterned armrest of the throne with his right hand. Because he was using too much force, the veins on the back of his hand were exposed and his knuckles turned white.
This scene shocked everyone present; even the usually calm Hong Yingrong showed an expression of disbelief.
Li Longze's gaze was fixed on the cover of the book in Lu Fengqing's hand. The scene in the imperial study in the Qianqing Palace half a month ago gradually emerged in his mind.
"You are pregnant now, so there is no need to bother coming here to pay your respects."
"I don't feel tired at all. Seeing Your Majesty makes me happy. When I was at my parents' home, my sisters-in-law and aunts would walk around more before giving birth. The midwife said that this would ensure a smooth delivery."
"When you safely give birth to a child, whether it's a prince or a princess, I will promote you to be my consort."
"I thank Your Majesty first. They all looked down on my father because he was just a mere clerk. From now on, I won't be afraid anymore."
"With me here, why should you be afraid?"
"…The Queen Mother does not like me."
"My Queen Mother rules over the six harems, so naturally she cannot show favoritism. You just need to rest assured and take care of your pregnancy, and give birth to a child for me. My Queen Mother will naturally not make things difficult for you."
Holding the tender hand, the fragrance is refreshing.
"Didn't the imperial physician warn us not to use nail polish while pregnant?"
"I know this is made with gardenia juice. I dare not use any spices without permission."
Every word seems to still echo in my ears, as clear as yesterday.
"Your Majesty?" The voice of Queen Mother Lu Fengqing broke the silence. She looked at Li Longze's abnormal reaction and felt an inexplicable uneasiness in her heart.
Li Longze didn't respond immediately, but instead looked at Chen Jin gravely. Just as he was about to speak, Hong Yingrong suddenly stood up, her voice tinged with nervousness, "Empress Dowager, Your Majesty, this matter is of grave importance. I really shouldn't get involved. Please allow me to leave first!"
However, Li Longze simply waved his hand, signaling her to be patient: "Old Madam, please wait a moment."
Upon hearing this, Hong Yingrong couldn't help but look at Lu Fengqing. Seeing that he also signaled her to stay for the time being with his eyes, she had no choice but to do as he said and wait for the situation to develop.
Li Longze turned to Chen Jin and continued, "You have been serving in the Imperial Study, so you must have understood this matter a long time ago?"
Chen Jin bowed respectfully and responded, "Your Majesty is wise and will make the final decision."
At this point, Lu Fengqing finally couldn't contain her anger anymore. A hint of dissatisfaction lingered in her tone, "Emperor, what are you keeping secret? Who is involved in this matter?"
Li Longze's face was still as pale as paper. He seemed not to have heard the Queen Mother's questioning. He just continued to instruct Chen Jin, "Lin'an Palace is to be sealed immediately. You must arrange for a midwife. Everything about the palace food and drink will continue as usual."
"As for Lady Liu, we'll make our decision after she gives birth."
After Li Longze said this, he was so confused that he could hardly utter another word.
Lu Fengqing now completely understood that the culprit who leaked the test questions was Liu Cairen.
My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
