Chapter 58: Hating Xishui was just because she was afraid of destroying her useful chess piece...
In the candlelit hall, dancing and music were played, and the sounds of stringed instruments were accompanied by the chatter of people around, making the place lively and lively.
Amidst the bustle, Jiang Yunjin's voice suddenly rang out, sounding more like clear ice, and was particularly distinct amidst the clamor Cui Yiluo heard.
Cui Yiluo quickly raised her eyes to check his expression, and saw that he was not looking at her. Instead, he was staring at the clear wine in the cup with his eyes downcast. His cold, resolute and handsome profile was slightly sunken in the shadows, and his expression could not be seen.
It was just a routine inquiry. Now in the palace, people in the dark were watching her closely, so he would definitely protect her safety.
Cui Yiluo understood his thoughts and responded accordingly: "I just walked around casually and didn't run into anyone."
Suddenly, a strong wind blew into the hall, causing the octagonal glazed palace lanterns hanging on the ceiling to shake violently, and the light shining on Jiang Yunjin's profile suddenly dimmed for a moment.
The candlelight dimmed and brightened suddenly, and a few small exclamations were heard in the hall.
But soon, the palace lanterns began to sway slowly, and the hall became bright again.
Cui Yiluo heard him whisper again, "Didn't you bump into anyone?"
Cui Yiluo was stunned. For a moment, she almost suspected that he knew about her deal with Yuan Ling, but his tone was calm and his expression was normal. He didn't seem to know that she wanted to use Yuan Ling to find out her background.
The palace was heavily guarded, and even though he held great power and was highly regarded by the emperor, it was impossible for him to be so well-informed.
He was merely reaffirming that her safety was perhaps truly important to him and the Second Prince. Cui Yiluo sneered inwardly.
She answered shortly and affirmatively: "No."
Jiang Yunjin didn't say anything else.
Suddenly, the eunuch who was guarding the palace gate and ordering the presentation of dishes clapped his hands twice. The crisp sound was particularly obvious amid the mixed laughter.
Then, two rows of palace maids filed in, each holding a uniform white jade bowl on a mahogany tray. Inside, they were filled with snow-white cream cheese, as creamy and white as snow, garnished with osmanthus flowers and dried fruits. As soon as they were brought in, a faint milky fragrance filled the hall.
The palace maids first presented the cheese to the emperor and empress, and then served it to everyone's table in an orderly manner.
The emperor first scooped a little into his mouth, and then ordered everyone to taste it.
Although Cui Yiluo had used yogurt before in Ningzhou, the ones in the palace were obviously made with better ingredients. She felt that the aroma they emitted was a little different and a little stronger.
She picked up the spoon and took a few sips.
Halfway through, there was a sudden cry from above, followed by the crisp sound of bowls and plates falling to the ground, which suddenly broke the harmonious atmosphere in the hall.
"Empress Dowager!" The palace maid screamed shrilly.
When Cui Yiluo subconsciously looked in the direction she was looking, she saw that the emperor had rushed from his seat to the side of Concubine Qiong's seat as fast as lightning. In an instant, the empress, the surrounding concubines, princes, and palace maids also surrounded her. Concubine Qiong was surrounded tightly. The people below looked at each other, confused and panicked, not knowing what was going on.
But Cui Yiluo happened to see it clearly in the last few moments when the crowd surrounded Concubine Qiong.
The white jade bowl that was originally used to serve the yogurt fell to the ground in the hall and shattered into pieces, but there was no snow-white paste on the ground. It was obvious that Concubine Qiong had used up all the yogurt.
Concubine Qiong's originally charming and elegant face suddenly turned red and purple. She held on to the armrest of the chair to maintain her stability, but she seemed to be out of breath, and her chest rose and fell rapidly.
The snow-white neck was covered with dense red rashes.
"Where is Doctor Yang's order?"
Amidst the siege, the emperor's rapid roar was heard. A middle-aged man quickly stepped forward from the table, and the people surrounding Concubine Qiong quickly made way for him.
The hall, which was filled with laughter just now, suddenly became silent. The people below did not understand what was going on and only talked in low voices with their eyes, fearing that they would violate taboos and anger the emperor.
Imperial Physician Yang's deep voice echoed through the hall: "Your Majesty, the Imperial Concubine is suffering from an allergic reaction and needs immediate medication. Otherwise, her life will be in danger. Your Majesty, please move her to a side hall so I can administer medication."
It was like a loud thunder exploding in the hall, startling everyone.
Life-threatening, allergic reaction. Was it an allergy to the cheese? Cui Yiluo lowered her eyes to look at the half-eaten bowl of cheese she had used, her heart suddenly beating rapidly.
The man next to her also froze, and looked at her quickly with some anxiety.
Seeing a hint of panic on her usually cold and ruthless face, Cui Yiluo was subconsciously stunned.
He grabbed her hand directly. Cui Yiluo looked at his slender fingers wrapped around her thin wrist, and her heart skipped a beat.
It was not until then that she discovered that the back of her once fair and tender hands were now covered with dense red rashes.
It was exactly the same rash she had just noticed on Concubine Qiong's neck.
Jiang Yunjin's breathing stagnated, his sword-like brows instantly frowned, his face was frighteningly gloomy, and his dark eyes were filled with urgency. He unconsciously grabbed her hand tightly and quickly turned to look in the direction of the Imperial Hospital's seats.
It was the first time Cui Yiluo saw him lose his composure, and she subconsciously and instinctively pulled down her sleeves to cover the back of her hand covered with rashes.
But before she could pull down her sleeves, and Jiang Yunjin had no time to ask someone to come and treat her, the exclamations of several ladies around her suddenly rang out.
"Mrs. Jiang! Why do you have a rash too? Are you also suffering from an allergy?!"
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the hall turned their attention. Lan Hui, Jiang Zhaoyue and others immediately surrounded them with panicked expressions.
In an instant, Cui Yiluo was surrounded by several people.
Two people developed allergic symptoms in succession. Concubine Qiong was helped up with rapid breathing and was to be moved to a side hall. Her face, which was as graceful and elegant as a peony, was now covered with red and purple spots. Everyone became even more panicked and began to check whether they had any rashes on their bodies.
The emperor, seated at the head of the table, was just carrying Concubine Qiong horizontally when he heard that Cui Yiluo, also at the table, had also developed a rash. A flash of cold murderous intent flashed across his eagle-like eyes, but was quickly suppressed.
The emperor quickly ordered, "Take Madam Jiang to the side hall for treatment. Empress, you stay and escort everyone back to the palace."
Clearly, the Emperor didn't want to see tonight's incident become a big deal, so he ordered the Empress to stay behind to clean up the mess, appeasing everyone while also issuing warnings. Those present were all high-ranking officials and their families, so they naturally knew what to do. Once tonight was over, the fact that Concubine Qiong and the Minister of the Central Secretariat's wife "coincidentally" had an allergy would remain a secret, and even if they discussed it privately, it wouldn't be spread outside.
He is indeed an emperor with thunderous methods.
As soon as the emperor gave the order, palace maids came up to support Cui Yiluo.
Perhaps due to an allergy, Cui Yiluo's heartbeat suddenly became irregular and her breathing became more rapid.
The warm fingers around her wrist tightened, and she leaned into the man's hard chest. He stretched out his long arms and wrapped her in his broad embrace. Suddenly, she felt like she had entered a safe circle, surrounded by the familiar fragrance of bamboo, and her breathing suddenly stopped.
A deep male voice rang in my ears, hammering at my heart again and again: "I'm always here, don't be afraid."
Her body was suffering from an allergic reaction, and her mind was a lot slower. She just raised her eyes slowly in a daze when she heard the words. He seemed to have been looking down at the red rash on the back of her exposed hand, but he was very sensitive to her gaze. He immediately looked at her and nodded gently, conveying a comforting look.
Jiang Yunjin held her in his arms and helped her to the side hall. Several palace maids were unable to step forward to support her, so they had to follow Cui Yiluo from a distance.
The side hall was brightly lit and filled with palace maids and imperial physicians. Concubine Qiong had been placed in the inner room. Through a screen with a lotus pattern emerging from the water, one could see many figures moving anxiously to and fro, in a panic and urgent manner.
Cui Yiluo was helped by Jiang Yunjin to sit down, and his hand around her wrist loosened. Cui Yiluo felt uneasy for a moment, and then she turned her eyes away and didn't want to look again.
Unexpectedly, she felt a tightness on her shoulders. It was not as she had imagined. He did not leave, but stood beside her. His strong arms reached down and embraced her again.
Cui Yiluo bit her lip and grabbed the white jade pendant on his jade belt that was hanging on the side of her hair.
"You've only used half of the cheese. The rash hasn't spread to your neck yet. You'll recover after the imperial physician prescribes medicine for you."
Cui Yiluo felt as if cotton was stuffed into her nose, and her breathing became rapid. But his low voice coming from the top of her head inexplicably brought a sense of calming power, and her rapid heartbeat calmed down.
"Um."
The imperial physician who was waiting outside came forward and was about to salute Jiang Yunjin, but the man raised his hand to stop him.
The imperial physician immediately understood and hurriedly took a handkerchief to cover Cui Yiluo's wrist, placed three fingers on it, and carefully took her pulse.
Cui Yiluo glanced at the screen outside the inner room. The noise inside was not as chaotic as before. From time to time, she could hear the emperor's deep voice asking questions, but it didn't sound very clear. She thought that Imperial Physician Yang had already given Concubine Qiong acupuncture treatment.
Meanwhile, the imperial physician finished taking her pulse, stood up, bowed to Jiang Yunjin, and said, "Sir, your madam's allergy isn't serious. She'll be cured after taking the next dose of medicine."
Jiang Yunjin's frown relaxed slightly, and he saluted the imperial physician: "Then I'll trouble you, imperial physician."
Cui Yiluo had nothing to do, so the imperial physician finished his consultation and went back behind the screen to help treat Concubine Qiong.
Cui Yiluo stared at the blooming hibiscus on the screen, and thought of Concubine Qiong's purple face just now, feeling a little depressed.
She had never had a rash from eating butter before, so she figured it must be that one of the ingredients had been changed, and both she and Concubine Qiong were allergic to it, which caused them to have allergic reactions at the same time. But was it really a coincidence?
Cui Yiluo felt that something that had been hidden in the dark was about to come to light. She glanced at Jiang Yunjin's jade pendant, which she had been holding in her other hand, and her eyes darkened.
Will he know about this?
Cui Yiluo's fingertips paused, then let go of his jade pendant.
The man beside her seemed to be slightly startled. She clearly felt that the gaze on her had become a little heavier. She lowered her eyes, as if she didn't notice.
But his haste wasn't fake. He was aloof by nature, and certainly wouldn't feign concern. But Cui Yiluo didn't dare dwell on it, didn't dare to discern whether it was because she was still useful and couldn't afford to lose her life—especially at this critical moment tonight—or because he was genuinely worried about her.
"After returning home, I will order Doctor Xu to take your pulse again."
Cui Yiluo nodded without saying anything.
Concubine Qiong was not out of danger yet, and the side hall was still in chaos. Only Cui Yiluo was there. She was sitting on an armchair, and Jiang Yunjin's tall and cold figure was standing beside her, which was out of place in the side hall where everyone was moving in a hurry.
The palace maid quickly prepared the medicine and brought it over, and Cui Yiluo drank it silently.
After drinking the medicine, Cui Yiluo wanted to go home.
Right now, Concubine Qiong was still under the care of the imperial physician, so it was inconvenient to discuss today's events. If Concubine Qiong escaped danger, they would investigate today's events in detail, and they would probably first bring up the fact that she and Concubine Qiong had allergic reactions. She could also tell that Concubine Qiong's breathing had slowed considerably behind the screen, so she was probably no longer in danger.
She put down the medicine bowl and was about to speak to Jiang Yunjin when she suddenly heard a burst of hurried footsteps outside the door, which sounded extremely dull in the chaotic side hall.
Cui Yiluo's heart skipped a beat.
It's too late.
Outside the palace gate, Xiao Jing, dressed in a moon-white suit with a python pattern embroidered in gold thread, walked in with a group of officials.
"Your Majesty, I request to see you. I have some clues about what will happen tonight."
Xiao Jing knelt directly in front of the screen, and the officials behind him also knelt down.
The Second Prince knelt down, and everyone in the hall knelt down as well to pay their respects to him.
Cui Yiluo stood up from the armchair and knelt down again, looking calmly at Jiang Yunjin beside her.
What came into view was a cold and tense face with a chill in his dark eyes.
Cui Yiluo frowned slightly. Why did he react as if he hadn't heard about this? Didn't Xiao Jing discuss this with him beforehand? But why wouldn't Xiao Jing discuss this with him?
Xiao Jing was asking for an audience behind the screen, and the emperor couldn't just sit there calmly and pretend not to hear. He only heard the emperor mutter a few words, his deep voice full of tenderness and a touch of soothing. Although the words couldn't be heard clearly, everyone knew who the emperor was talking to.
After a moment, the emperor came out from behind the screen.
Following the emperor out was Yuan Ling. Cui Yiluo, kneeling on the ground, could feel Yuan Ling's inquiring gaze turning towards her. At the same time, the aura beside her inexplicably became heavier.
"No need to be polite."
There was another sound of people getting up in the hall.
The palace maids and eunuchs surrounded the emperor and sat him down at the top, but just as he sat down, he heard noises coming from behind the screen again.
Everyone looked and saw several palace maids helping Concubine Qiong out.
Concubine Qiong's hair, which was neatly combed for the banquet tonight, was a little messy because of what happened just now, but it did not look messy. Instead, it looked pitiful with her pale face.
The rash on her snow-white neck had not yet disappeared, but her breathing had become much steadier and her condition had stabilized.
"Your Majesty, this matter concerns me, and I want to hear it too."
The emperor's gloomy expression eased a little when he saw Concubine Qiong. He stood up and walked forward, helping her to sit next to him.
As Concubine Qiong took the few steps to her seat, she did not look at anyone, as if she really just wanted to know the truth about her allergy tonight.
Behind Concubine Qiong, Xiao Zheng also followed out.
As soon as he walked out from behind the screen, Cui Yiluo felt a gaze several times colder than the one at the banquet just now falling on her, as if he wanted to take her life immediately, but he only stayed for a moment before moving away again.
Cui Yiluo's expression did not change, she just turned her head quietly to look at Xiao Jing, and sure enough, she saw that his expression darkened.
The Emperor had asked Concubine Qiong to come out and listen, and Xiao Zheng followed him out. Wasn't it because he was afraid that if he said something unfavorable to Concubine Qiong, Concubine Qiong would immediately block it? After all, if some things were confirmed, they would not be so easy to resolve.
The emperor's favor towards Concubine Qiong was indeed true. The person Xiao Jing wanted to fight against was not the Chu family or Concubine Qiong, but the emperor.
"Jing'er, tell me, what did you find out?"
The emperor's voice was deep and powerful, and he came with a bit of pressure.
Xiao Jing's movements were neither hurried nor slow, clearly determined. He spoke slowly, "Father, I've discovered that tonight's yogurt contains an extra ingredient compared to the one previously made in the palace. It's this subtle difference that caused the allergies in the Imperial Concubine and Madam Jiang."
The emperor's eyes were sharp. "You mean, Madam Jiang and the Imperial Concubine are allergic to the same thing?"
The emperor's gaze was oppressive, but Xiao Jing had no intention of backing down.
"Yes. This seasoning is peach kernel. Both the Imperial Concubine and Madam Jiang are allergic to peach kernel."
As soon as these words were spoken, the looks of the palace maids in the hall immediately became a little subtle, but with the emperor in front of them, they quickly restrained their expressions.
But everyone knew that Concubine Qiong and the wife of the Minister of the Central Secretariat looked similar. There had been some rumors about this in the palace before, but Concubine Qiong was too favored, so no one dared to pass the rumors to the ears of the noble lady and only said a few words in private.
Cui Yiluo's heart was sinking, but she couldn't reach the bottom. Xiao Jing came prepared, and tonight he might disobey the emperor and reveal the truth.
It was too sudden. Cui Yiluo bit her lips with a heavy expression. There was a complex emotion in her eyes, and a hint of helplessness could be seen.
Xiao Jing continued, "Father, this matter is extremely strange. I believe it should be thoroughly investigated. I have the audacity to report this to you..."
Cui Yiluo clenched her hands hidden in her sleeves.
"Your Highness."
A familiar voice sounded, and the man beside him suddenly took a step forward.
Cui Yiluo's heart trembled, and a faint sneer appeared at the corner of her lips.
Are we finally going to use her as a chess piece?
For some reason, it was obvious that he was doing the same thing as Xiao Jing. She had known for a long time that he was assisting Xiao Jing, but in front of her, he came out in person to cooperate with Xiao Jing to reveal her identity. She felt like she was hit in the heart, dull and sour.
"May I ask, Your Highness, is the cheese tonight made with cow's milk or goat's milk?"
Xiao Jing frowned slightly, remained silent for a moment, and replied in a low voice: "Goat milk."
Jiang Yunjin's tall figure stood in the hall, slightly blocking Cui Yiluo's way. He bowed to the emperor and said, "Your Majesty, my wife is allergic to goat's milk. Previously, we had only used cheese made from cow's milk. It was my negligence tonight that disturbed Your Majesty. I beg your forgiveness."
Cui Yiluo was shocked and couldn't recover for a long time.
She is not allergic to goat's milk. She seems to have only used peach kernels once when she was a child and never used them again after she grew up. However, she uses other ingredients in cheese on a daily basis.
She was just allergic to peach kernels, just like Concubine Qiong. It was also obvious that she was only allergic to peach kernels.
She knew it in her heart, Jiang Yunjin knew it even more clearly, and even everyone present knew it.
Xiao Jing was just looking for an excuse to investigate something strange and was about to reveal her identity, but Jiang Yunjin simply eliminated this excuse.
Why? Isn't he Xiao Jing's man? Isn't he supposed to cooperate with Xiao Jing to reveal her identity?
The Emperor and Concubine Qiong, who were sitting at the top, also had slightly changed expressions, with a hint of surprise in their eyes. However, Xiao Zheng, who was standing to the side, was not surprised at all, but only raised his eyebrows slightly, with a playful look in his eyes.
After a few breaths, the emperor straightened his expression and said, "Well, Shenzhi, your wife was also frightened tonight. Now that the imperial physician has examined her, she should go home and recuperate early. I will send someone to bring some supplements to your house tomorrow."
Jiang Yun bowed respectfully and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Cui Yiluo observed the audience calmly. The Emperor and Concubine Qiong both breathed a sigh of relief. Jiang Yunjin's interruption confirmed that she and Concubine Qiong were not allergic to the same thing, and that Xiao Jing's findings were merely a misunderstanding. The Emperor was naturally pleased to see this and immediately descended the stairs. He quickly ordered Cui Yiluo to be sent back to the palace, putting an end to Xiao Jing's attempt to make a fuss about this.
Xiao Jing is usually kind and gentle. He has already given up just now. Now that he has no excuse, he can't hold on to it anymore, otherwise it will be more trouble than it is worth.
Cui Yiluo didn't expect that what happened tonight could be resolved by Jiang Yunjin's few words, but until she returned home, she still didn't understand why Jiang Yunjin wanted to stop Xiao Jing. Obviously, Xiao Jing had evidence in his hands.
If the truth is revealed tonight, the Fifth Prince will lose his power, and even the Chu family may be charged with deceiving the emperor.
But why?
After returning to the mansion, Doctor Xu was already waiting in Jixuezhai. Lilan heard what happened in the palace tonight and saw the red rash on Cui Yiluo's hand that had not yet gone away, which made her even more worried.
In the spacious and bright main hall, Jiang Yunjin was waiting beside her, watching Doctor Xu taking her pulse.
Cui Yiluo lowered her eyes, looking at the edge of the man's crimson robe, a complex and strange feeling rising in her heart again. His reaction tonight was not right, and it made her doubt her previous judgment.
"Young Madam's symptoms were not serious to begin with, and she is now fine after taking the medicine. However, the rash will take a day or two to subside. If you are worried, I will write a few more prescriptions."
Jiang Yunjin said modestly, "Thank you, Doctor Xu."
He was just about to ask someone to bring Doctor Xu down to write a prescription when Wen Feng suddenly walked into the hall with a serious expression and whispered something in Jiang Yunjin's ear.
The sound was so quiet that even though Cui Yiluo was not far away, she could not hear it clearly, but she saw Jiang Yunjin's brows quickly darken.
"I'll be there right away."
Afterwards, he calmly asked someone to bring Doctor Xu to write a prescription.
After Doctor Xu left, Jiang Yunjin looked at her, his brows softening slightly, and he said softly, "I have something important to do. You go back to your room first, I'll be back soon."
There was a soothing tone in his voice. Cui Yiluo was silent for a moment. In the end, she didn't ask him directly, but just responded.
Jiang Yunjin strode into the study. Lilan helped Cui Yiluo sit down first, waiting for the kitchen to prepare the calming soup.
Cui Yiluo looked at the dark night outside the window. After a few moments of silence, she finally came to her senses.
What happened tonight was too strange. Why would Jiang Yunjin stop Xiao Jing? And he had been so anxious to rush to the study just now. Although she didn't know why, it was obviously related to what happened tonight.
As for her identity... although she knew some of it, she didn't know the whole story.
Her aunt must have known about it. But when she was engaged to Cheng Jiancheng, her aunt, though she felt guilty about not being able to intervene on her behalf, never wavered in her determination to help her. Why would her aunt be hesitant? It was naturally because she was being restricted. Her aunt simply loved her because of her love for her. If it came down to choosing between the two, she wouldn't choose her.
Will Jiang Yunjin tell her?
Cui Yiluo was originally very sure that he would not do that, but after he spoke in the side hall, she became a little uncertain again.
The octagonal lamp hanging in the hall shook for a moment, and the candlelight jumped, as if hope suddenly emerged.
At this moment, Cui Yiluo suddenly felt a little courage in her heart.
"Lilan, you should rest first. I'll go to the study."
The main hall was not far from the study. She walked for less than half an incense stick before she reached the courtyard where the study was located. A huge rosewood screen wall blocked the view of the study, and she couldn't even see the light leaking out.
Cui Yiluo was about to walk around the screen wall when she suddenly heard Jiang Yunjin's deep voice coming from the study.
"Your Highness has been too impulsive tonight. Acting without careful planning, if anything goes wrong, everything will be ruined. Are you planning to abandon your cause?"
Cui Yiluo's slender figure immediately stood in the shadow of the tall screen wall, motionless.
She scoffed softly.
Why would she still have hope for him? Just because of what happened tonight?
He came out to stop Xiao Jing simply because he was afraid of ruining her, a useful chess piece.
Cui Yiluo's heart dropped completely. She didn't move forward and turned around and left.
It was quiet under the moon, and there was a vast expanse of space under the screen wall. A gentle breeze blew by, as if no one had ever been there.
-----------------------
The author has something to say: The consequence of not having a mouth is chasing after your wife [spreading hands] My cousin hasn’t finished speaking, please read on.
Thanks to the babies who irrigated the nutrient solution [heart]
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
