Song Xibai comforted everyone, but when it came time to fall asleep, she couldn't fall asleep at all.
Distracted, she sat up and stared blankly at the moon outside the window.
It wasn't until the little ones in her belly started acting up that Song Xibai realized what was happening, lay back down, and closed her eyes.
This time, I finally fell asleep.
The next day, Song Xibai felt a bit listless and didn't go out for a walk, sleeping all morning instead.
When she woke up, Granny Fangqi brought her some unexpected news.
“An aunt from the Shangfu Bureau died suddenly from an illness.”
Song Xibai's eyelids twitched.
"The Bureau of Imperial Clothing?"
Granny Fangqi nodded solemnly: "I couldn't stop thinking about what happened yesterday. The palace is extremely careful when making clothes, how could there be a broken needle? And it was given to the unborn little master? So I sent someone back to the palace to find out."
"And then someone suddenly died?" Song Xibai remained expressionless, pondered for a moment, "This is too obvious, isn't it?"
It feels a bit fake.
If someone really wanted to plot against me, what good would hiding a needle do?
"This matter is probably not simple. Withdraw our people and stop investigating. Tell the Crown Princess about this and let her investigate."
Granny Fangqi looked surprised and hesitant.
"Isn't Your Highness afraid that this was made by the Crown Princess?"
“She’s not that stupid.” Song Xibai waved her hand. “The baby hasn’t even been born yet! Even if she had any ideas, they would only be on or after I give birth. It’s probably not her; she’s probably being used by someone.”
"Is Master so certain?"
Song Xibai smiled and said, "Whether she did it or not is not important. What is important is that the Crown Princess needs to know that someone is stirring up trouble and framing her. The Eastern Palace is her domain, so if something happens, it will naturally be up to her to handle it."
Granny Fangqi sighed, feeling that she understood younger generations less and less.
But since her master had given such an order, she had no choice but to obey.
So, Granny Fangqi left.
Thinking that this matter was of great importance, he ordered a carriage to be prepared and personally returned to the Eastern Palace to report to the Crown Princess.
The Crown Princess harbored resentment over the Crown Prince's secret dispatch of Song Xibai out of the palace, but for the sake of the greater good, she had no choice but to swallow her anger.
But she never expected that her initiative to humble herself and send a box of clothes would lead to trouble!
Granny Fangqi remained composed and respectful, and after recounting the entire incident, she changed the subject.
"His Highness trusts the Crown Princess and firmly believes that this matter has nothing to do with you. It must be that the servants were not careful and made a mistake."
The Crown Princess forced a smile.
"If Consort Xi thinks this way, I feel ashamed. I failed to discipline my subordinates properly, resulting in such a serious blunder. Fortunately, your master is not seriously injured; otherwise, I would not be able to explain to His Highness."
As she spoke, the Crown Princess had already composed herself.
"These are turbulent times. As His Highness said, we in the Eastern Palace should unite as one and not let outsiders take advantage of any loopholes, lest we hold His Highness back."
It really was Song Xibai who said this, but not today. He said it casually to Granny Fangqi a few days ago during a chat.
Upon hearing this, the Crown Princess could no longer maintain her smile.
Does this mean I can't manage the Crown Prince's palace well?
She clenched her palms, her long fingernails nearly scratching her skin.
“Your mistress is absolutely right. I will handle this matter properly. Tell her not to worry!”
Granny Fangqi curtsied and then withdrew.
As soon as she left, the Crown Princess's face immediately darkened.
"Guards! Take everything out of this box and burn it!"
Lin Mama hurried over, looking hesitant. Just as she was about to ask a question, she caught a glimpse of the Crown Princess's face, which was so gloomy it seemed to drip water. Startled, she dared not say a word and hurriedly left.
The box was carried out, and Granny Ding stepped forward to offer advice.
"Your Majesty, please don't be angry. This is just a small matter. It's not worth getting angry over it."
The Crown Princess took several deep breaths.
"Granny Ding, go to the Bureau of Clothing and Appearances yourself and ask them how they do things! Also, have someone investigate in private who handled this batch of clothes."
You dare to use me as a pawn? Aren't you afraid of losing your life?
The Imperial Clothing Bureau reacted quickly. That afternoon, the female official in charge of clothing came to report back, saying that a seamstress had accidentally dropped a broken needle into the garment, which had not been detected.
The embroiderers and palace maids involved were punished, but no problems were found.
The Crown Princess did not believe it, thinking that the people in the Imperial Clothing Bureau were hiding something. So, for a period of time afterward, the Crown Princess frequently made trouble for the Imperial Clothing Bureau.
She was the Crown Princess, and in the absence of an Empress, according to ancestral etiquette, she was the most honored woman in the palace.
She doesn't need to plan what kind of person she wants to target; she only needs to express some intentions, and her subordinates will naturally take care of it for her.
As a result, the Shangfu Bureau received a large number of "returned goods" every two days.
The masters either disliked the fabric, disliked the pattern, or even complained that the stitching was uneven and that it was uncomfortable to wear.
The female official in charge of clothing was extremely busy.
Before they knew it, even the dress specially made for Consort De was made to be wrong.
Although Consort De is usually quiet, she is, after all, a high-ranking consort. Once she gets angry, how could a mere maidservant like me withstand her?
Not long after, the female official in charge of clothing was stripped of her position, flogged, and sent to the laundry department.
The news reached the estate the next day.
As Song Xibai ate a melon, he listened to Fu Liu's vivid account of events in the palace and couldn't help but sigh.
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