When everyone woke up the next morning, they learned that Consort Ming of Chuxiu Palace had only had a miscarriage, and some were happy while others were sad.
Huo Qinghe returned to Yanliang Pavilion late last night, so she naturally got up later than usual this morning. It was the noise outside that woke her up. She groggily sat up, and Luyun, who was supposed to be on night watch, had already woken up.
"My lady has woken up. Someone from the Emperor's side has come outside. They say they are questioning the people who served you at the Chuigong Hall last night, as is customary. I'll have Luyi come in to serve you first."
Yesterday, Green Cloud and Green Locust were both serving Huo Qinghe.
The rewards the masters have given us since entering the palace are mostly fixed amounts. Also, there's the quality of the pair of earrings that Changsheng picked up last night—earrings that even Huo Qinghe wouldn't use.
Therefore, Huo Qinghe was even less worried.
Huo Qinghe nodded slightly: "Go ahead."
Greenery quickly came in to help Huo Qinghe get up and wash.
Huo Qinghe was still a little sleepy as she sat in front of the dressing table. She casually glanced at the earrings that Luyi was wearing today through the bronze mirror.
Greenery was also wearing a pair of plain silver earrings, with the bottom shaped like lotus flowers, which looked quite unique.
"I don't think you all seem to like pearls for jewelry," Huo Qinghe asked with a smile, genuinely curious.
Before entering the palace, Huo Qinghe didn't own many pieces of jewelry. It was only after entering the palace that she gradually developed the ability to distinguish whether jewelry was valuable or not.
"Replying to Your Highness. The noble ladies in the palace love to use pearls. Although the ones we use are of lower quality, we are always afraid of offending them. So we simply avoid using pearls."
Green Willow and the others don't usually wear pearl jewelry, so whose was it that Changsheng found last night? Who would use it? Who would dare to use it?
"Where is Consort Ming? Shall we go visit her?" Huo Qinghe asked.
Green Willow answered honestly, "I heard that Consort Ming was greatly frightened last night and refuses to see anyone. The Emperor and the Noble Consort originally sent Consort Ruan to comfort Consort Ming, but today Consort Ming refuses to see anyone."
Huo Qinghe said "Oh," and that meant she didn't have to go visit him.
However, the fact that Consort Ming was frightened... served as a reminder to her.
Huo Qinghe lowered her eyes and suddenly raised her hand to stop Luyi from tying her hair up.
"Don't rush to style my hair yet. Go and fetch the imperial physician later. Just say I couldn't sleep last night..."
Given Huo Qinghe's current reputation in the harem, it's not unreasonable for Huo Qinghe to be frightened by witnessing Consort Ming, who is pregnant, falling and getting frightened.
Greenie immediately stopped. This girl was really serious; her eyes were full of worry as she spoke.
"My lady, did you not sleep well last night? I heard that Consort Cao also didn't sleep well last night. There are still some calming medicine prescriptions left from the imperial physician. I'll go and get them."
Huo Qinghe stopped her: "You silly girl. Go and fetch the imperial physician first. I'll do the makeup."
When it comes to feigning a haggard appearance, Huo Qinghe is absolutely an expert.
From a young age, Huo Qinghe learned how to use a haggard and pale face to deceive her stepmother's difficult behavior.
Greenery finally realized something, nodded vigorously, and quickly left.
The eunuch who came to the emperor's side was an unfamiliar face. Well, everyone in the six palaces, both east and west, had to be interrogated one by one. It was naturally not the emperor's turn to interrogate Jin Yang or Miao Xi.
Huo Qinghe wasn't afraid of being investigated for things she hadn't done, and the same was true for the maids around her.
Jin Yang acted quickly; before noon, he had already inspected all six palaces, east and west.
However, the morning court session at Zichen Palace ended late today. After returning from Zichen Palace, the Emperor buried himself in government affairs, and even Jin Yang dared not go in to disturb him.
When Miao Xi came in from outside, panting, Jin Yang was sunbathing under the eaves.
It hasn't been too sunny these past few days, but it'll get really hot in a few more days.
"Master. Lady Cao from Zhongcui Palace has come to say that she is feeling unwell and would like to ask Your Majesty to take a look."
Isn't this making things difficult for people?
Jin Yang flicked his whisk: "Is it Zhu Shi or someone else? Go and tell them the Emperor is busy right now. If they want to offend or anger the Emperor, they can come again. How is Consort Ming? Still refusing to see anyone? And there's another one here..."
Miao Xi couldn't help but say, "Both Consort Ming and Consort Cao are pregnant. After finishing his duties in court, His Majesty also has to take care of the harem. It's really... there's nothing in the harem that can make His Majesty feel even a little bit more at ease..."
Before he could finish speaking, Jin Yang's whisk struck him on the head.
"What nonsense are you spouting, brat? Now you even dare to talk about the officials."
But Miao Xi was right.
Nowadays, most of the former retainers of the Prince's residence act recklessly because of past relationships, including Consort Chi. Those who entered the palace three years ago through the imperial selection have witnessed the Emperor's ruthless methods and are mostly afraid of him. The newcomers seem to be in a similar situation.
The only Consort Cheng was also quite depressed recently...
Thinking of Consort Cheng, Jin Yang's thoughts stirred slightly.
Someone who has served the emperor for many years would have this kind of reaction.
At noon, the Emperor first visited Consort Ming at Chuxiu Palace, and then was invited by the Empress Dowager to Cining Palace.
The Empress Dowager naturally inquired about the Consort's fall the previous night.
"I have heard about what happened last night. In the end, it was my fault. What did the Emperor find out?" The Empress Dowager went straight to the point. Although she and the Emperor were not biological mother and son, the Empress Dowager was never ambiguous when it came to serious matters.
After all, he had been sitting comfortably in the fold for many years.
Pei Yuanhui also stated explicitly: "We have already made some progress. Your Majesty is exaggerating; it is the perpetrators who are too rampant."
"Last night, a pearl earring was found in front of the Chuxiu Palace. Tonight, my son has ordered a thorough investigation. Now the investigation has led to Consort Qin."
"Qin Shi? I remember she was selected to enter your residence when you were still a prince? I remember she was always very respectful... What a disgrace! By my decree, Consort Qin Shi, for her improper conduct, disrespect and lack of virtue, is hereby demoted to the rank of Lady-in-Waiting. She is to be confined to her quarters for one year and is not to leave without being summoned."
Zhu Yu, who was by the Empress Dowager's side, readily agreed.
"Yes, this servant will go and deliver the message immediately."
Pei Yuanhui did not object: "Thank you for your trouble, Empress Dowager."
Empress Dowager Zhou casually raised her hand to her temple: "This is utterly disgraceful. If anything were to happen to Consort Ming's unborn child, Qin Shi would die a hundred times over. Your Majesty, ultimately, your harem lacks a capable administrator..."
Pei Yuanhui reacted quickly: "Your Majesty is too kind. Consort Chi handled the situation very well, and I am very relieved."
Empress Dowager Zhou smiled faintly: "I know about Consort Chi. But it's Consort Zhou who has caused trouble for the Emperor. He should teach her a lesson. I hope nothing untoward happens in the harem. Peace and tranquility are the best."
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