The two young palace maids, unable to withstand the intimidation, trembled incessantly before Jing Yan could continue his interrogation.
As if struck by a disease, the two suddenly developed bloodshot eyes, foamed at the mouth, convulsed, and collapsed to the ground.
Jingyan sent the imperial physician who had been assigned to Liushang Pavilion to examine them. After a quick look and taking their pulses, the physician confirmed that they had all died from poisoning.
"Your Highness, these two have been poisoned for some time now, and the poison has penetrated their lungs and internal organs, causing their death."
“How vicious,” Xiange sighed softly.
Jing Yan's attention was drawn to her words: "What are your thoughts on the Crown Princess's miscarriage tonight?"
Xiange bowed and said, "Your Highness, I am but a weak woman and have no insight to speak of. It just so happened that the Crown Princess was unwell, and I was leading Qingfei to find the imperial physician when we encountered you and were tricked."
"Seeing two beautiful lives suddenly gone, and not so innocent, I can only feel a pang of sadness."
Jingyan didn't quite believe her explanation.
Yue Jiang spoke up for Xiange: "Your Highness, instead of questioning Miss Xiange here, why don't you go and investigate the inner palace? Someone might be trying to lead you there."
Jing Yan knew that something was amiss in the back hall, but he was distracted because he was worried about Yue Jiang. Now that someone had died, he had to investigate thoroughly.
"Let Qingke and Qingfei escort you back. I'll go take a look," Jingyan stood up to leave, but before he could even take a step, the people in the side hall heard the sound of gongs and drums outside.
"Oh no! The back hall is on fire!"
"Help! Fire! Help!"
The sudden flood startled both Yue Jiang and Xiange.
Jing Yan opened the door and called out to a running guard, "What happened?"
No sooner had he finished speaking than Jing Huaixu's personal eunuch hurried over.
A eunuch urgently reported: "Your Highness, this old servant has finally found you. The rear palace is on fire, and His Majesty already knows about it. Moreover, someone discovered something serious in the rear palace during the firefighting efforts, and His Majesty is furious. He orders Your Highness to go to the rear palace immediately to oversee the firefighting efforts."
"Oh, by the way, the palace servants are making a ruckus. Since the Crown Princess is pregnant, it's best to stay in the main hall and not wander around, lest she be bumped into."
"The rest of you will stay in the side hall. Once the fire situation is cleared up, you will all be allowed to leave."
After the eunuch finished speaking, Jingyan and Yuejiang knew that tonight's events were bound to be terrible, so they each went to Liushang Pavilion without delay.
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