Chapter 214 The Dragon Fetus...Cannot Be Saved
With the help of the Imperial Noble Consort, Shui Xian temporarily hid Xiao Duo away.
As for the east side hall of Jingcheng Palace, Consort Lin, who was surrounded by Cui Zi and others, was completely unaware of Xiao Duo's disappearance.
Shui Xian secretly had someone keep an eye on Consort Lin's movements. A few days later, someone reported that something had happened at Consort Lin's place in the east wing of Jingcheng Palace, and the hall was in chaos for half an hour.
“Cui Zi and Physician Xu are both here. They are keeping a close eye on Consort Lin, so this servant was unable to go and inquire.”
"No need, you did a great job."
Shui Xian nodded to Yin Zhu beside her, instructing Yin Zhu to give the little eunuch a reward.
Chaos?
What else could it be?
A few days ago, Shui Xian had Pei Jichuan go to the Imperial Hospital to investigate the background of Physician Xu. Although it was done secretly, she sent a message to Lian Chenxi, who is now the Censor, to investigate. They still found out that Physician Xu's maternal family had some secret ties with Grand Tutor Liu.
Cui Zi and Physician Xu are both the Empress's people.
The charade was probably reaching its most exciting point when a knowing glint flashed in Narcissus's eyes. She deliberately took the initiative to ask Consort Lin about it at the morning meeting the next day.
"Consort Lin doesn't look well these days, is it because her pregnancy symptoms are severe? What did Physician Xu say?"
Her words were sincere, and she appeared to be a dutiful and caring person towards Consort Lin.
However, to Consort Lin, who had a guilty conscience, especially after Cui Zi's days of instigation, these words sounded like an aggressive test and hypocritical concern.
Consort Lin forced a smile and agreed, but her hatred intensified.
Back at Jingcheng Palace, she summoned Cui Zi, who had "discovered" her false pregnancy a few days earlier, and discussed the matter behind closed doors.
"She's scared... She must be afraid that I'll give birth to a prince and threaten her position!"
When Consort Lin spoke to Cui Zi, she learned that after Cui Zi discovered her secret, the Empress not only did not blame her, but also showed her understanding.
Consort Lin was more inclined to side with the Empress of Kunning Palace, and her tone became increasingly cold when she mentioned Narcissus.
"All that hypocritical questioning all day long is nothing but crocodile tears!"
"It's time... Cui Zi, we can't wait any longer! It's time for our Imperial Noble Consort to taste what it's like to fall from grace!"
At this moment, Consort Lin had no recollection of how much help she had received from Shui Xian when Shui Xian began to address the bullying in the inner palace.
Because Shui Xian didn't consistently help her or understand her feelings, Lin Changzai's gratitude completely turned into hatred towards Shui Xian.
If there were other people around her, they might be able to point out the distortion in her current mentality.
But now, the only people by her side are Cui Zi, sent by the Empress, and Physician Xu.
Cui Zi lowered her head, a barely perceptible mocking smile curving her lips, and respectfully replied:
"Everything... is ready, just waiting for the right opportunity."
——
A few days later.
In the Imperial Garden, a few autumn chrysanthemums still swayed in the wind, adding a touch of desolation.
Narcissus, holding Tinglu's hand, was walking slowly along the cobblestone path, seemingly admiring the scenery, but her eyes were clear and calm, subtly scanning the surroundings.
When they reached the vicinity of the artificial hill, they saw Consort Lin walking out with the help of Cui Zi.
Shui Xian noticed the tension on Consort Lin's face and was already prepared.
"This humble servant greets Her Highness the Imperial Noble Consort."
Consort Lin wore a brightly colored dress today. She had a smile on her face, but her eyes flickered with an uncontrollable unease.
"No need for such formalities, Consort Lin."
Narcissus stopped in her tracks, seemingly unaware of Consort Lin's odd behavior.
"The weather is alright today, it's good to go out for a walk."
Yes, that's right.
Consort Lin replied, her gaze seemingly unintentionally sweeping over the palace maids behind Narcissus, her voice carrying a deliberate attempt to ingratiate herself.
"I must also thank Your Majesty for the gifts you bestowed upon me the other day, especially that piece of shimmering brocade, which was truly magnificent. I was thinking that it would be perfect for making some beautiful little clothes for my son in the future..."
Before she could finish speaking, her face suddenly turned deathly pale, as if she were in great pain, and she bent over abruptly with a shrill scream.
"Ah—my stomach!"
She lunged forward and fell heavily to the ground, clutching her abdomen tightly with both hands, curling up in pain and screaming incessantly.
Almost simultaneously, a glaring crimson stain quickly spread across the hem of her bright, light-colored skirt!
Shui Xian watched her performance with a cold eye. Only now, seeing Consort Lin start her act without any hesitation, did she believe that Consort Lin was not the one forced by the Empress, but also one of the people who orchestrated this scheme!
"My lord! My lord, what's wrong?!"
Cui Zi immediately knelt down, her voice trembling with tears.
As if she had suddenly discovered something, she pointed with trembling fingers to a barely noticeable spot on Consort Lin's lips, where a few pale yellow bits of dust had been smeared.
"What... what is this? Oh right, the Imperial Noble Consort just bestowed chrysanthemum cake upon my mistress at noon... my mistress only ate one piece before coming to the Imperial Garden!"
She suddenly raised her head, her gaze fixed on the narcissus, and said with a sorrowful expression:
"Your Highness, Imperial Noble Consort! Even if you dislike my young master, you cannot... you cannot commit such a heinous act, harming the Emperor's offspring!!"
well.
Narcissus closed her eyes briefly; watching these two terrible actors perform was truly torture for her.
She finally understood why some people booed the actors during the opera.
Watching a bad play is a pure form of mental torture.
Narcissus didn't rush to defend herself; she waited to see who else this drama would expose.
really.
Cui Zi's crying and accusations startled several concubines who happened to be strolling and admiring the flowers nearby.
Consort Wan, Noble Lady Huang, and several other concubines gathered around and gasped in shock upon seeing the bloodstains on the ground and the tragic state of Noble Lady Lin.
"Oh my god!..."
"How could this happen? It was fine just now..."
"Stop talking, didn't you hear me?"
"Your Highness, Imperial Noble Consort..." Consort Wan frowned, "What...what exactly is going on?"
Faced with this sudden turn of events and the accusations directed at her, Narcissus timely showed astonishment on her face.
But she stood tall and straight like a bamboo shoot, showing no sign of panic despite the chaotic scene; instead, her gaze became even calmer and sharper.
"Quiet!"
Her voice wasn't loud, but at this moment it carried the authority of an Imperial Noble Consort, instantly silencing Cui Zi's wails and the whispers of the other concubines.
Her cold gaze swept over everyone present, and she gave a stern order.
"Tinglu, immediately seal off this area of the Imperial Garden. No one is allowed to leave without authorization! Yinzhu, go to the Qianqing Palace immediately to report to the Emperor and summon Imperial Physician Pei Jichuan! Be quick!"
Her composure stood in stark contrast to the panicked cries of Consort Lin and Cui Zi, and the astonishment and uncertainty of the other concubines.
Lin Guiren couldn't help but feel a little uneasy, but she also felt that her preparations were flawless.
What she didn't see was that the clever Cui Zi had sensed something and looked at Shui Xian with surprise and uncertainty.
But it was all too late.
In the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Emperor Zhaoheng arrived at the Imperial Garden.
Following closely behind was the Empress, who, despite being ill, rushed to the scene because of such a major event in the palace.
"Greetings, Your Majesty! Greetings, Your Majesty the Empress!"
The crowd hurriedly knelt down in worship.
Emperor Zhaoheng didn't even look at anyone else; his gaze immediately locked onto Shui Xian, who stood tall and unharmed in the center of the room. Only when he saw that she was safe and sound did his tense jawline relax slightly.
But when he saw Consort Lin curled up on the ground, groaning, her skirt stained with blood, his cold anger surged again.
"What's going on?!"
"Your Majesty! Your Majesty must do justice for me!"
When Consort Lin saw Emperor Zhaoheng, it was as if she had seen a savior. She wept bitterly and, barely breathing, accused him.
"This humble servant...this humble servant was just speaking with the Imperial Noble Consort...I don't know why, but suddenly I'm experiencing excruciating abdominal pain...I only had some pastries bestowed upon me by the Imperial Noble Consort before leaving the palace..."
"Your Highness, why are you so cruel, harming my child..."
She sobbed uncontrollably, even clenching her fists and pounding the blue bricks on the ground in a fit of emotion.
Although Cui Zi noticed that Shui Xian was overly calm, she sensed that something was amiss.
Upon seeing the Emperor, she temporarily suppressed her unease and reported:
"Your Majesty is wise! This servant can indeed testify that my mistress had a poor appetite before leaving the palace and only ate some pastries!"
Physician Xu, who had been waiting nearby, hurriedly stepped forward. He had arrived earlier than the Emperor and had already examined Consort Lin's pulse.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, I have just given Consort Lin a preliminary examination. Her pulse has become erratic, and she is bleeding profusely. It is because she has been exposed to a potent and cold substance that has impacted her fetal development!"
The Empress sighed at the opportune moment, her tone both sorrowful and displaying the impartiality befitting an empress.
"Your Majesty, things have come to this point, and the imperial heir... cannot be saved."
"The evidence now seems to point to the Imperial Noble Consort. To avoid suspicion, it would be best to ask her to return to the palace to reflect on the matter while we investigate..."
"Your Majesty the Empress!"
Narcissus suddenly spoke, interrupting the Empress.
She stepped forward and bowed solemnly to Emperor Zhaoheng. "Your Majesty, I do have evidence to prove that Consort Lin's pregnancy is abnormal, and today's events are purely a frame-up! Please allow me to explain!"
Emperor Zhaoheng's deep gaze fell upon her, and unlike his previous coldness towards the Empress, he immediately responded:
"speak!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Shui Xian straightened up and first looked at Pei Jichuan, who had been brought over by Yin Zhu, "Imperial Physician Pei, tell His Majesty everything you know."
Pei Jichuan had been preparing for a long time. He stepped forward and said loudly, "Your Majesty, I have been ordered by the Imperial Noble Consort to examine the dregs of the medicine that Consort Lin had previously taken."
What? !
Consort Lin shuddered and looked up at Pei Jichuan in disbelief.
How could he... have medicine residue?!
Pei Jichuan quickly recounted the discovery of the fake pearl grass:
"This is a drug for faking pregnancy!"
"What?! A false pregnancy?!"
Pei Jichuan's words were like a thunderclap from a clear sky, leaving everyone stunned!
"This...how is this possible?"
Consort Lin turned pale and subconsciously denied it.
"Impossible! You're talking nonsense!"
Shui Xian, however, did not give her a chance to continue making false accusations. "Yin Zhu, bring the witnesses."
Yinzhu, who had been waiting nearby, immediately brought Xiaoduo, who had been hidden behind her back and was being protected, to the front of the group.
Xiao Duo had never seen such a scene before, and her legs went weak with fright. But under Yin Zhu's encouraging gaze, she mustered her courage, knelt on the ground, and tearfully recounted in detail how Cui Zi had sown discord between Consort Lin and the old servants she had previously served, and how she had discovered the abnormality of the medicine dregs and secretly preserved them.
With witnesses and physical evidence readily available, Consort Lin, who had just been crying and accusing Narcissus, was now deathly pale.
She's almost forgotten about Xiaoduo!
This fellow villager, whom she brought from her home to the palace, and with whom she promised to rise to prominence together... her best friend!
With teary eyes, Consort Lin looked at Xiao Duo kneeling before the Emperor. Images of the two of them before entering the palace flashed before her eyes, and she suddenly felt dazed.
How, how did it turn out like this?
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