"Your Majesty, this is the plate of orchids."
Xiao Mingzi and several eunuchs from the palace carefully carried the plate of orchids to the table.
"Lotus petal orchid?"
A look of surprise flashed across Empress Rouci's face. "Isn't this something from Consort Yu's palace?"
This orchid is exceptionally precious and requires careful cultivation to survive; it is not something that everyone can appreciate.
Especially in this season, only the palace of Consort Yu, who was favored by the emperor, had such lotus-petal orchids.
"Your Majesty is wise. This orchid was indeed bestowed upon me by Consort Yu."
Mi Shan spoke softly through the curtain.
"Could this flower be poisonous?" Lin Zhaoyuan wondered cautiously.
"No, it has nothing to do with flowers!"
Suddenly, Physician Guo, who had been keeping his head down and gently placing his fingers on Mi Shan's pulse, spoke in a deep voice.
Mi Shan raised an eyebrow.
He stroked his long beard, putting on a serious expression.
"This, this is caused by the venom of the Jade-Eyed Toad!"
As far as I know, if the skin is sprayed with the venom of that precious toad, it will feel a burning pain, and then quickly ulcerate and become inflamed!
These are exactly the symptoms Mi Jieyu is currently experiencing!
"Moreover, I observed that the young master's pulse was restless, rising and falling intermittently, which confirms the theory of poisoning!"
Mi Shan pursed her lips, suppressing the urge to laugh.
Then a cool sensation filled my eyes, gradually giving way to a sense of darkness.
Others might not know, but she knew all too well that the venom of the Jade-Eyed Toad could injure people without them even realizing it.
Not to mention that she wasn't poisoned at all, so naturally her pulse wouldn't be restless or fluctuating.
Several imperial physicians could not diagnose any problem with her.
When she arrived at Guo Yuanshi's place, he immediately diagnosed her with the poison of the Jade-Eyed Toad.
If others heard this, they would probably just think that this was the work of Consort Yu!
Only Mi Shan and her two maids knew the truth—
In this game,
It was the Empress who orchestrated it!
She's already caught in the trap!
As the head of the Imperial Medical Academy, Guo Yuanshi actually had no idea what the symptoms of poisoning from the Jade-eyed Toad were. That thing was extremely precious and not recorded in medical books.
That's why he's not afraid of being exposed; he just closes his eyes and talks nonsense.
Upon hearing this, Empress Rouci's face darkened, and she slammed her hand heavily on the bed railing: "How dare you, Consort Yu! Taking advantage of the Emperor's favor, you are so arrogant and disrespectful to me! Her attack on you is a slap in my face!"
"Yes, Your Majesty, Consort Yu has gone too far. She even dares to harm my sister, who has just entered the palace and is currently enjoying the Emperor's favor. What about us, who have long been forgotten by His Majesty? If we ever offend her, we won't even know how we died."
Lin Zhaoyuan was clearly terrified; her petite face was filled with fear and tears welled up in her eyes.
"Consort Lin need not be afraid. I will seek justice for Consort Mi and report this matter to His Majesty. I believe His Majesty will handle it impartially."
Seeing her seemingly unwavering belief, Empress Rouci's eyes flashed with a sinister glint, revealing her outward fierceness but inner weakness.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for standing up for me."
Mi Shan knew that at times like this, even if she knew the truth, she had to pretend not to know.
The empress held a high position and wielded great power.
She wasn't foolish enough to challenge her authority right away.
Unexpectedly, in this deep palace, the seemingly gentlest person is actually the most ruthless.
You really can't trust anyone.
"Your Majesty, it is of utmost importance to seek justice for our young mistress, but how serious is the poison she suffered? Is there any explanation?"
“This…” Guo Yuanshi pondered, looking at the Empress.
Empress Rouci shook her head slightly, almost imperceptibly, her eyes darkening.
Guo Yuanshi immediately understood.
The Empress must have hoped that Consort Mi's illness would heal more slowly.
"In my experience, Your Highness should rest quietly for the time being. The wound on your chest should not be exposed to light, and you should be careful when going out, avoiding sun exposure. Also, take the detoxifying decoction day and night. I will come to take your pulse again in a while."
"Later, I will bring you some topical ointment to apply to the wound to relieve pain and promote healing."
Mi Shan nodded and thanked him.
I had already guessed that the Empress would not let her "recover" easily and would definitely drag her out of bed, preventing her from serving the Emperor.
This is a little trick to win favor.
She only needed to think about it for a moment to understand.
Consort Lin was relieved, but couldn't hide the pity in her eyes: "What a pity, my sister was originally favored by the Emperor. If it weren't for this accident..."
After serving the emperor in bed, she received further rewards.
Their status can rise even higher.
Now, however, he will have to spend a long time alone in this palace.
The emperor is cold-hearted; I'm afraid that after a while, he'll forget about her, and then all that time will have been wasted.
Empress Rouci also feigned distress, holding her hand and comforting her to take good care of her injuries.
Don't overthink it; health is more important than honor and favor.
Mi Shan patiently went along with their pretense for a while, pretending to feel unwell and wanting to rest early.
Empress Rouci comforted her, and then parted ways with Consort Lin.
As soon as they left, Xun'er immediately dismissed all the palace servants as instructed, lifted the curtain, and helped her sit up.
"My lady, you must be exhausted after all this time!"
"Get up and rest for a while, have a cup of tea."
"Silly Xun'er, I'm just lying here pretending to be sick. I'm not tired at all. It's just that talking to them takes more effort." Mi Shan smiled calmly.
There's nothing that can be done; that's just how the atmosphere is in the imperial harem.
Every word must be carefully considered. This is especially true when speaking to those in high positions.
"I never expected that, as Achan said, Consort Yu was actually innocent. It shows that the rumors in the palace are sometimes not credible."
The seemingly virtuous and gentle Empress has actually committed such a vicious act, using Your Highness's life as a pretext to deal with Consort Yu!
"Yes. The Empress is all talk and no action. We must be more careful with every step we take from now on."
"It's such a pity, my lord, that you sacrificed such a good opportunity to serve me in bed in order to find out the truth behind it..." Xun'er said, her tone full of regret and remorse.
"There's nothing to regret."
Mi Shanman replied nonchalantly, her eyes calm.
The emperor is old and has a hidden ailment.
She had no interest in serving him in the first place.
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