As the palace banquet approached, more and more people began to walk in the corridor.
Meng Qingzhi, who was originally standing in confrontation, suddenly changed his expression and held Wei Shuyi's hands——
"Sister Ah Shu, I'm truly desperate! Between you and me, only one of us can survive! I was the one who made the mistake back then. I was so scared that I broke your heart. Now... are you willing to put aside the past and forgive me this time?"
She curled her lips and grasped the armor again: "And then?"
"It was my sister who did something wrong! I also made mistakes in the past at the Imperial Food Bureau, but it was Sister Ah Shu who was magnanimous and forgave me. Now, if you forget about that incident, don't mention it in front of His Majesty again. I promise! I will follow Sister Ah Shu's lead for the rest of my life! If you say one thing, I will never dare to do another!"
"How could I, a mere palace maid, let the current imperial concubine suffer so much?"
Wei Shuyi responded with a faint smile, watching the light in the other person's eyes disappear bit by bit.
Meng Qingzhi was used to begging for mercy in this manner, innocent and naive, like a young girl new to the world, endearing. But after her experience at the mass grave, the same expression in her eyes only brought disgust and disdain.
"Sister Ah Shu means that you don't intend to forgive me?"
"Did Hui Yunu do something wrong? Why don't I understand?"
"Then you'll be a fool for the rest of your life! Don't come out and bluff people anymore!"
Meng Qingzhi suddenly exerted force with both hands and pushed her hard towards the Qianqiu Pool!
She had long anticipated that if this person's plan failed, he would definitely have the intention of harming others again, so she took precautions in advance.
With a loud splash, Meng Qingzhi fell into the pool. Even the thin layer of ice crackled, making a slight crackling sound.
"My lady!" "Help! Come and save me!"
The young eunuchs guarding at the back immediately rushed over to rescue the man, while the rest of the palace maids who were watching nearby hid tremblingly at the back, fearing that they would also slip and fall.
Wei Shuyi didn't take the opportunity to escape. Instead, he watched the wet woman being fished out. His pale face looked like a ghost, and he started shouting, "It was her! She pushed me down! Quick, this is the charge! Tie her up and kill her!"
Even though she was at the end of her rope, Meng Qingzhi was seizing the opportunity, trying to make her keep the secret forever.
It’s a pity that it’s too late!
The bright yellow dragon robe and the mighty ceremonial guard have passed through the imperial garden and headed straight here!
Eunuch Yang was stunned when he saw her there, then flicked his whisk again, "Daughter Hui Yu! The Emperor is calling you! Go over!"
"Your Majesty?"
Meng Qingzhi didn't have time to tidy up her appearance. She glared at her hatefully and burst into tears: "Your Majesty, the servants in the palace are really lawless! I was passing by here, and because of an argument with my personal maid, she killed me and almost drowned me!"
Xie Yanci came in such a hurry that the purple gold jade crown was slightly out of place.
Upon hearing this, he smiled his usual gentle smile and gave Meng Qingzhi a slight hand: "Is this really true? Which palace is this from?"
"Your Majesty, I am a second-class maid in Shoukang Palace."
"Oh... from my mother's palace." The emperor seemed to be thinking about it and offered, "In that case, you will come with me to Penglai Palace. I will let my mother handle the matter of harming the concubines. How about that?"
Meng Qingzhi breathed a sigh of relief: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for upholding justice! Could you allow me to return to the palace to change clothes first, and then..."
"No need for that." He interrupted directly, "The Queen's behavior this time is very pitiful. If the Queen Mother saw it, she would definitely punish the palace slave severely!"
"Yes, I obey your command."
So, Meng Qingzhi, soaked in ice water, sat in the sedan chair. Every time the cold wind blew, she couldn't help shivering.
Along the way, her messy outfit attracted everyone's attention.
Wei Shuyi followed the royal entourage silently, secretly thinking about the emperor's plans.
In Penglai Palace, the Queen Mother and all the concubines have arrived.
Xie Yanci arrived late, followed by a woman with disheveled makeup, and—
"Liu Ying? I couldn't find you just now and thought something had happened. So you're by the emperor's side?"
"In reply to the Empress Dowager," Wei Shuyi bowed respectfully, "I was with Lady Hui Yu the entire time. Your Majesty just happened to be passing by."
"Wisdom Queen?"
The Queen Mother's gaze fell on Meng Qingzhi, gradually turning into a sharp scrutiny.
The palace rules were strict, and even at her age, she strictly followed them, not daring to relax for even a moment. Yet, this unknown concubine actually entered the palace in such a manner!
Meng Qingzhi secretly cried out in disbelief and took the initiative to crawl forward a few steps: "Empress Dowager, it was this lowly servant in your palace who deliberately pushed me into the Qianqiu Pond. The Emperor passed by and saw me, and told me to come here to seek justice!"
"Liuying, did she push you? You two don't even know each other, why did she do that?"
The Queen Mother obviously didn't believe it.
Meng Qingzhi gritted her teeth and began to distort the truth: "Your Highness, we are actually old acquaintances. She resented me for being favored by the Emperor and becoming his empress. Just now, she deliberately blocked my way and used provocative words! During the argument, she pushed me violently. The palace maids around can all testify to this!"
"Emperor, in your opinion, how should we deal with this?"
"Today's palace banquet must not be disrupted by blood." Xie Yanci glanced at the people below the stage. "Since the palace maid of Hui Yu saw the truth, let the people of the Ministry of Punishment investigate. Once the truth is revealed, it will not be too late to deal with it."
How could this be?!
Meng Qingzhi was anxious to emphasize the situation, but she forgot the rules: "Your Majesty! It was this lowly maid who was at fault first. Why was it my concubine's palace maid who was sent to the Ministry of Punishment?! She should be severely punished!"
"presumptuous!"
On the high platform, the empress, dressed in a bright red phoenix robe, finally couldn't help herself. With a wave of her hand, someone stepped forward and dragged the sobbing Hui Yunu and others away.
Wei Shuyi remained kneeling until the Queen Mother ordered, "Liuying, come here. I am short of attendants. I will deal with tonight's incident after the Ministry of Punishment has thoroughly investigated it."
"Yes, thank you, Her Majesty."
She stood up politely and walked up the jade steps step by step.
Even when standing beside the empress dowager, he didn't dare to let his eyes linger.
The emperor's thoughts were profound and difficult to fathom. He played such a trick, and it was unknown what he was seeking.
But one thing is clear: Meng Qingzhi is in great danger! The people in her palace are very likely to be unable to withstand the torture and confess what happened!
"Your Majesty, there is news over there."
After three rounds of drinks, Eunuch Yang came hurriedly and said this in a low voice.
Wei Shuyi was close, and subconsciously glanced at Xie Yanci——
"In that case, mother, why not let her go with me?"
The emperor's tone was smiling, and it seemed like a question, but it was more like an irresistible order.
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