Chapter 312 Wei Yanwan 52
Hongli was extremely overwhelmed by the things happening in the harem, especially when the queen woke up and pleaded for Concubine Yu, which made him even more dissatisfied.
As the queen, she couldn't control the harem, and couldn't even protect herself and her children. After much investigation, it turned out that the perpetrators were most likely her own people, whom she had promoted. If it weren't for her concern for Ruyi's health and their long-standing relationship, Hongli would have said something harsh to her.
Even now, Hongli, who thought he had been very restrained, still frowned when she said that he didn't believe Concubine Yu would harm him. He threw his sleeves and frowned so hard that he could kill a fly, saying, "Queen, please take care of yourself first. I will investigate this matter thoroughly."
"But you should also understand that this incident not only involves you, but also my three sons. I must give an explanation to the Imperial Concubine and Concubine Jia. If it is finally discovered that it was Concubine Yu who did it, I will not tolerate it."
"I understand. Even if it is finally confirmed that it is Hailan, I will not forgive her."
Although Ruyi agreed with her words, one could tell from her expression that she did not believe that this was done by Concubine Yu.
Hongli didn't say anything more, but just asked the palace servants to take good care of the queen, and then left in the imperial sedan chair.
However, things went against his wishes. Over the next three days, the further the emperor investigated, the more unfavorable it became for Concubine Yu.
First, Zhaqi of the Ministry of Punishment, unable to bear the punishment, revealed that Concubine Yu's witchcraft was taught by a Taoist master from the East Gate. Then Ling Yunche also searched his house and found the Taoist master mentioned by Zhaqi. As expected, he learned from him that a man had requested this harmful method.
Then, miraculously, the Fourth Prince and the Fifth Prince gradually recovered. Although the Queen had doubts in her heart, she no longer felt dizzy. It was just that she had a miscarriage due to her anxiety about Concubine Yu, so she still had to stay in bed to recuperate.
Before Ruyi could think of a way to help Hailan out of trouble, she learned that Concubine Jia had asked the emperor to severely punish Concubine Yu. Concubine Chu, who had lost her child but did not dare to blame the empress, dragged her body after a miscarriage to plead with the emperor, and every word was tearful.
However, the imperial concubine said that because her son had woken up and she was pregnant, even if she didn't punish him privately for the sake of the royal family's reputation, she couldn't forgive him easily. In the end, she didn't say anything definite.
Concubine Yu had no way to defend herself and wanted to ask the Queen for help, but unfortunately Ruyi was pregnant at the time. Not to mention that she had already had a miscarriage caused by Concubine Yu, even if Ruyi was in good health, the Emperor and her mother would not allow her to go to such a bloody place without permission.
Hailan was trapped in a dead end, with no one to turn to for help.
Forbidden City, inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Hongli reviewed all the evidence they had found over the past few days and casually tossed Zhaqi's testimony aside: "What did Concubine Yu say?"
"Just like before, I firmly refuse to admit that I murdered the Queen and the heir."
Wei Yanwan remained silent as she peeled the orange. Seeing this, Hongli sat down beside her, took the orange slices she handed him, and asked, "What do you think about this?"
"I have no right to interfere in matters like this."
"That's fine, let's talk about it in private."
Yan Wan then raised her head, thought carefully, and said cautiously: "I think there are indeed some doubts about this matter."
"Oh? The evidence is irrefutable, so where's the doubt?"
"I'm just wondering, if this witchcraft really came into the hands of that Zhaqi, why didn't he just do it for Concubine Yu? Why did Concubine Yu have to do these dirty things herself and keep them in the palace? Isn't she afraid of taboos?"
"If you really want to stay in the palace, then why were puppets also found in Zhaqi's house? Of course, I have never heard of these things. It may be necessary to do so. I don't understand this."
"Furthermore, according to Concubine Yu and Guard Ling's investigation, Zhaqi and Concubine Yu actually have a mediocre relationship. Would he really do something as dangerous as killing her for her?"
Hongli listened and nodded. "You said exactly what I'm worried about. Concubine Yu is honest and steady. I really can't believe she would do such a thing. But I also feel that people's hearts are fickle. Who knows if she has already harbored rebellious thoughts in her heart? Alas..."
"In any case, the magic has been used. Although the emperor sent people to burn the puppets in Zhaqi Mansion today, I still think it would be better to perform a ritual."
Hongli agreed very much after hearing this. He didn't really care how Concubine Yu was dealt with. She was just an embroiderer and the Seventh Prince she gave birth to was not outstanding. Since Concubine Jia and Concubine Chu were making a fuss and Concubine Yu could not prove herself, he had already planned to give Concubine Yu a death certificate.
Of course, it is more important to dispel the bad luck in the palace at this moment to avoid damaging his auspiciousness.
The two of them had discussed it when they suddenly heard Li Yu report, "Your Majesty, the palace maid who serves the Seventh Prince just reported that the Seventh Prince is dizzy and has similar symptoms to the Empress, and also..."
He hesitated and stammered, looking very hesitant and reluctant, which made Hongli unhappy: "If you have anything else, tell me all at once."
"Jinzhong just sent a letter saying that Zhaqi couldn't bear the torture and died. Before he died, he revealed that Concubine Yu murdered the two princes for the crown prince position, but murdered the queen because the immortal master calculated that the queen's pregnancy was incompatible with... with the seventh prince."
"I see. As a mother, how can I bear to see my child harmed? But there's no need to..."
Hongli slammed the table and said, "You ignorant fool, you actually attacked the heir to the throne just because of this. How ridiculous!"
"Your Majesty, calm down. Regardless, the witchcraft issue concerns the former dynasty and the harem. Concubine Yu was foolish and made a serious mistake, but Your Majesty cannot ignore it."
Hongli barely suppressed his anger and finally said calmly, "Li Yu, pass on my decree. Concubine Yu is seriously ill. From now on, Yanxi Palace will be sealed off and no one is allowed to visit."
"After the Seventh Prince was adopted as Prince Lu, they no longer have the status of brothers. I don't think they will interfere with each other anymore."
Wei Yanwan quickly supported Hongli, massaging his chest as she spoke, "Your Majesty is merciful. I'm afraid even Seventh Prince doesn't understand the reason behind this matter. Your Majesty is a loving father. If Seventh Prince knew, he would surely understand your painstaking efforts."
"Alas, now I only hope that the Queen... and your baby can be born safely."
Hongli rubbed his aching temple, sighed deeply, and looked much older.
"The Empress has worked so hard. If she knew about Concubine Yu's situation, she would probably be even more worried."
"That's just her personality. I have no choice but to keep it a secret for now."
Hongli was guided step by step by Wei Yanwan, and he quickly made up his mind. After all, he would just tell the public that Concubine Yu was imprisoned. At most, Concubine Yu would stay in bed for a few more months, and then she would be killed as soon as the empress gave birth. By then, the dust would settle and the empress would be helpless.
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