The eunuch in charge of the West Six Palaces saw Song Chengze step in and stepped forward, hunched over, saying, "I have already arranged for the princess's daily necessities and assigned someone to deliver meals three times a day. I just told the princess's attendants that if there is anything missing, they can go find me."
The harem was divided into two parts, east and west, with Kunning Palace as its central axis. Concubines generally lived on the east side, while those of lower rank or those who were not favored lived on the west side. In addition to these abandoned palaces, there were also the Cold Palace and the Rongyang Palace. Although it was called the Western Six Palaces, there were actually not only six palaces, but it was just a general term.
Song Chengze nodded and stood in the yard looking at Hanyuan.
He was not unfamiliar with this place at all. When he was a child, whenever he had a conflict with his brothers or was teased by them, this was the place he often came to. Sometimes it was to avoid their pursuit, but more often it was to avoid their pranks.
He was young at that time, and no matter he ran in on his own initiative or was locked up there against his will, he was scared to death every time, especially in the dark of night like this, when he squatted in the corner and felt that there were countless pairs of eyes staring at him. Sometimes, fat rats would squeak as they ran past his shoes, their green bean-sized eyes flashing with a cold and malicious light.
Just as he was thinking about it, the door of the main house was pushed open, Yuan Dong walked out with red eyes and saluted Song Chengze.
Song Chengze strode forward, but before he could even cross the threshold, a teacup flew towards him. Song Chengze tilted his head, and the cup was thrown into the yard, shattering. Then he heard Meng Qi sternly say, "What are you doing here? Are you here to laugh at me? I'm telling you, even if you think I'm embarrassing, it's also embarrassing for the Rui Palace."
Hu Changsheng exchanged a glance with the eunuch in charge of the Western Six Palaces. Seeing the eunuch's surprised and somewhat mocking expression, Hu Changsheng bowed helplessly and said, "I hope my brother can help cover it up."
"I know, I know. Every family has its own problems." After saying that, following Hu Changsheng's gesture of invitation, the two of them stood at the courtyard gate. The sounds from inside were unclear, at least not what Song Chengze was saying. All they could hear was Meng Qi's cries. She was saying things like, "It's all for her son, isn't it? Isn't it because she's afraid others will look down on him?" And then, in the end, she was bullied and grounded, and in such a shabby place. She also told Song Chengze to come up with a plan quickly. She couldn't stay in a place like this for even a moment.
When Yuandong came out with a red face and closed the door, the noise in the room could no longer be heard. The two palace maids saw Yuandong come out and stand far away, so they followed her and walked further away.
Inside the house, Song Chengze frowned as he looked at the simple furnishings. It was obvious that they had been cleaned up, but there was just no dust. He walked to the kang and touched it.
"It's warm. The eunuchs just heated it." Meng Qi said softly, standing behind him.
"Why isn't it warm in the room?" Song Chengze withdrew his hand and said unhappily.
"Perhaps it's because it's been unoccupied for years, so it's leaking everywhere. Plus, this kang is hard to heat. Those eunuchs just fiddled with it for a long time. It's okay, it's not too cold, and the head eunuch has already sent for some charcoal braziers. Don't worry, I won't suffer any loss in this regard. If they dare to neglect me, I will make a scene."
Song Chengze turned around, and Meng Qi hadn't had time to hide her smug smile. Looking at Song Chengze's solemn expression, Meng Qi knew that he was worried about her.
"It really doesn't matter. Since we're here, we might as well make the best of it. The weather is getting warmer. And I just agreed with Yuandong to just tidy up the yard every day when we're bored. There are a few side halls out back, and they look empty for a while. I wonder if they'll find anything."
Meng Qi poured a cup of tea and handed it to Song Chengze. "Anyway, today went pretty smoothly. I don't know if I was too anxious and didn't use the evening as planned. I just wondered what the situation would be like in the evening. If we didn't get another chance, our plan would be a waste. And Princess Duan just happened to give us the opportunity."
Song Chengze sat down, gently rubbed his forehead, took the tea handed to him by Meng Qi and nodded, "You did the right thing. We didn't have any chance at the dinner just now. Maybe it was because of what happened during the day. Everyone just ate in silence. Even Fanghua and Yongan didn't say anything extra."
Then he looked up at Meng Qi again and said, "I'm sorry for making you feel wronged."
Meng Qi's heart warmed, and she blinked her eyes and said, "We all agreed on this. I really don't feel wronged. I'm extremely happy to be able to help His Majesty. However, His Majesty needs to investigate today's matter further. Princess Duan naturally doesn't know about our plan today. But what she did to make Brother Qing attack Brother Ran secretly, I don't believe it was malicious intent between them. And there must be Concubine Xiang's instructions. It's impossible for Princess Duan to move Concubine Xu just once or twice."
Song Chengze nodded, "I know. I will investigate this matter myself. You don't have to worry. If you feel that you can't live here or anything else, just make a fuss. Do you understand?"
Meng Qi nodded and looked out the window again. "Your Highness, please leave soon. Staying too long will inevitably arouse suspicion."
"Do you remember what I told you that day?" Song Chengze stood up and asked worriedly.
"Remember, don't worry, Your Majesty. If something unexpected happens, I know what to do."
Song Chengze nodded and said softly, "I'll let Hu Changsheng stay tonight. Wang Chenghai will come in tomorrow. Don't do anything else at night. Send the others out during the day and ask Yuandong to guard the door."
Meng Qi hummed, "I thought so too. Holding a lantern and looking around the yard at night will arouse suspicion even if there aren't many people around here. It's also quite scary. Don't worry, no matter whether we can find what we want this time, we have to seize the opportunity."
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