Prince An reported to the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager: "Grandfather and Grandmother, the murderer who poisoned my food has committed suicide. It is not yet certain whether it is the same person who poisoned me in the room."
The Empress Dowager was shocked upon hearing this. She had never imagined that such a vicious conspiracy could be hidden beneath the heavens and earth. Her heart was filled with anger, and a cold glint flashed in her eyes.
"The person who poisoned us is truly ruthless, with one scheme after another that makes it impossible to guard against!" the Empress Dowager said angrily.
She never imagined that someone would be so audacious as to repeatedly poison her within the palace. This shocked and enraged her.
The retired emperor slammed his fist on the table in anger and stood up, "He must not be let off lightly! He must be thoroughly brought to justice!"
Although they have abdicated, their regal authority and sense of justice remain. A resolute light shines in their eyes—a steadfast pursuit of fairness and truth.
"Send down the order to thoroughly search every corner of this palace and see how much more filth remains!" The Emperor Emeritus's command was full of power and determination.
The Empress Dowager looked at him, her eyes filled with trust and admiration. In that instant, they seemed to have returned to the era when they ruled the world, and that majesty and domineering aura once again filled the air.
The entire palace was mobilized. All the guards and palace maids began to search every room and every corner, even the underground secret chambers of the palace.
The retired emperor and empress dowager sat in the hall, their faces solemn and their hearts filled with anxiety.
Time passed slowly, and just then, a guard rushed over, his face full of panic. "Your Majesty the Emperor and Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, we have found a body in the garden of the Prince's Palace."
The retired emperor and the empress dowager exchanged a glance, a hint of doubt flashing in their eyes.
The group rushed over and found a male corpse lying in the flower bushes. His face was bluish-purple, indicating that he had died from poisoning.
Meng Zhelan stepped forward and examined the corpse carefully. "This poison is very familiar; it looks like 'Yanluo Powder'."
The Empress Dowager frowned as well. "'Yanluo Powder'? Isn't that a banned poison?"
"Yes, this poison is extremely rare and very difficult to obtain. It seems the person who poisoned it is indeed a master," the Emperor Emeritus said in a deep voice.
"Is this corpse someone from the Prince's mansion?" Meng Zhelan asked.
"Yes," the guard replied. "He is the prince's personal bodyguard and is responsible for the prince's safety."
Meng Zhelan was silent for a moment, then said, "As a guard, he was killed before His Highness returned to the manor. It seems that the sleeping potion in His Highness's room is related to him."
"Are you saying this was a premeditated assassination?" the Empress Dowager asked.
“Very likely,” Meng Zhelan said. “Moreover, this assassin must be very familiar with the Prince’s residence, otherwise he wouldn’t have been able to find this guard.”
They had returned to the council chamber, where only the four of them remained.
Prince An remained silent. The Emperor Emeritus thought he was frightened, so he comforted him, "Yu'er, don't be afraid. Your grandfather will protect you."
“Grandfather, I’m fine.” Prince An looked up at the Emperor Emeritus. “I was just thinking about some things.”
"Oh? What is it?" the retired emperor asked curiously.
"I'm wondering why they would go to such lengths to harm a prince like me who is not favored," Prince An said.
A profound light shone in Prince An's eyes, as if he had already seen through the truth behind it all.
Meng Zhelan was silent for a moment, then said, "Perhaps some people think that His Highness's presence is an obstacle to their interests."
Prince An sighed softly and said helplessly, "I am just an unfavored prince. Whose interests can I affect?" He knew in his heart that the person behind this must be Prince Liang, but now was not the time to reveal the truth.
Meng Zhelan sensed the doubt in Prince An's heart. She nodded slightly and turned her gaze to the apricot tree in the distance.
He said calmly, "Your Highness, some things are not as simple as they seem on the surface. Some people and some things are simply driven by self-interest."
Prince An frowned slightly; he was well aware of this principle.
In this world, everyone lives for their own benefit, for power, status, and wealth, and is even willing to sell their souls.
The Empress Dowager and the Emperor Emeritus looked at Prince An thoughtfully. As former rulers, they naturally understood the conflicts of interest and power struggles involved.
They also knew that although Prince An was not favored, his existence could indeed affect the interests of some people to some extent.
"Yu'er, you must be careful," the Empress Dowager instructed. "You are in danger now, so you must protect yourself."
Prince An nodded silently, knowing the Empress Dowager's worries.
In this fiercely competitive harem, he must remain vigilant to ensure his safety.
The Emperor Emeritus said in a deep voice, "Yu'er, you must remember that you are a member of the royal family, and your identity and status are irreplaceable. Do not easily trust others, and even more so, do not be used by others."
Prince An was moved, for he understood the Emperor Emeritus's good intentions.
In this treacherous harem, he must keep a clear head to avoid getting caught up in it.
Meng Zhelan felt somewhat at a loss, feeling that these words were not appropriate for her to hear.
She originally wanted to leave, but the Empress Dowager pulled her in.
Seeing Meng Zhelan's helplessness, the Empress Dowager gently comforted her, "Lan'er, I regard you as my granddaughter. You don't need to feel uneasy about this. Right now, Yu'er's health still needs your careful care. It's good that you know about some things so you can prepare in advance."
Prince An knew that Meng Zhelan's current predicament was ultimately because of him. He felt deeply guilty about it, but he couldn't help wanting to get closer to her and understand her.
Meng Zhelan lowered her head slightly and replied humbly, "I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's kindness. Healing the sick and saving lives is a doctor's duty, and I am merely doing my bit."
Upon hearing this, the Emperor Emeritus's eyes flashed with admiration. He chuckled and said, "Doctor Meng, you truly have the heart of a healer. However, this matter is not simple, and we must be extra careful in everything we do."
Meng Zhelan replied respectfully, "I understand, and I will keep it in mind."
The Emperor Emeritus nodded in satisfaction and said, "I heard from Yu'er that you saved him several times, which is a great achievement. I will have the Imperial Household Department send some rewards later to express my gratitude."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Meng Zhelan was pleased, but said humbly. Nothing could be more touching than this.
Having handed the matter over to her subordinates, the Empress Dowager called to everyone, "Alright, there's something more important to do now, let's go!"
The other three knew what she was thinking and got up to leave.
The Empress Dowager was extremely pleased and praised, "She truly is the person I admire; she is so understanding."
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