After discovering that Consort Lü's cause of death was poisoning, Liu Heng continued to secretly investigate without releasing the information, not even to the Empress.
Therefore, in the eyes of the other members of the harem, the case still made no progress whatsoever.
What surprised Liu Heng even more was that the prophecy about the ants found in Lü Liangdi's house suddenly spread widely among the people a few days later.
It is unknown how the events that occurred in the palace were leaked out, but among the common people, this superstitious prophecy, after being embellished by word of mouth, became a captivating legend that began with "the third prince possessed the aura of a true dragon, and the room was filled with red light at his birth."
For a time, a folk song even became popular among children in the capital region: "The son of the mountain pine will rule the world, and the people of Guangli will not survive."
No one knows who started this folk song, but soon it seemed that every child knew it and used it frequently in games.
After learning this proverb from the pageboy, Lin Yucheng thought for a moment, then his expression changed drastically. He immediately ordered carriages and horses to be prepared so he could go to the palace to see His Majesty.
First, rumors about the Third Prince were flying everywhere, and then a folk song suddenly appeared. Lin Yucheng, who had been paying close attention to the matter, keenly sensed the connection between them.
When Liu Heng listened to Lin Yucheng talk about folk songs in the study, his eyes were filled with a chilling aura.
"Your Majesty, it seems this matter is intended to take place outside the palace."
Lin Yucheng was filled with worry. He had heard rumors of the ant prophecy and the murder of Consort Lü in the palace, and he was concerned that Lin Yuqiao and the Third Prince would be implicated. Now, sure enough, the situation was escalating and had taken an unclear turn.
It seems the person who orchestrated this is playing a very long game.
Liu Heng agreed with Lin Yucheng's guess. The meaning implied in that inexplicably circulating folk song was only partially revealed in the eyes of those who were interested.
The mountain pine is called Qiao, and the broad official script is called Kang. Putting these together, the folk song perfectly confirms the prophecy that "the son of Qiao will be established," and it also involves Crown Prince Liu Kang. In particular, the last three words, "not to be restored," carry an ominous and ominous connotation.
"Guess why they did that?"
Liu Heng trusted Lin Yucheng implicitly, having known him since his early days. Their bond extended beyond the loyalty between ruler and subject; it also included the affection between brother and uncle. Lin Yucheng was a key figure in the court, so even though the matter involved the Lin family and the Third Prince, Liu Heng did not avoid any appearance of impropriety with him.
"Please forgive my disrespect, Your Majesty will be holding the Fengshan ceremony at Mount Tai in three months."
Lin Yucheng has always been perceptive. He did not think this was simply a matter of the harem. Instead, he saw the bigger picture from the small details and was able to break free from the limitations of his thinking to consider the issue from other perspectives.
Upon hearing his words, Liu Heng's imperial vigilance was immediately triggered. He hadn't understood before who could profit from this. Now, he wondered if one of his brothers had become dishonest again.
He was determined to perform the Fengshan ceremony; the appointed date could not be changed. The journey was long and arduous, and if anything unexpected happened, there would be no time to act. This was a matter of great importance; even a one in ten thousand chance should not be overlooked.
"We must remain calm and observe the situation from here."
Liu Heng was never complacent about anyone who might threaten his throne. Having ascended the throne, he couldn't afford to take even the slightest risk. Therefore, he had spies planted in various princely residences.
Without orders, these people might be kitchen maids tending the fire, old women chatting idly at the second gate, or even a beautiful concubine in the backyard.
However, once they receive a clear order, these people can quickly rely on the previously established information network and use it for their own purposes, specifically to gather information and transmit messages.
After hesitating for a moment, Lin Yucheng swallowed his next words. He actually harbored a significant worry: the matter of the Third Prince wasn't just being watched by them. The Crown Prince's faction was likely also keeping a close eye on it.
That folk song also involves Crown Prince Liu Kang. It's unknown how the Crown Prince's maternal family, the Wang family, and the people in the Eastern Palace will react.
The wicked are wicked, and the good are good; this is human nature. As for Consort Lin and the Third Prince, the Crown Prince's faction probably doesn't have much goodwill towards them to begin with. If they are further burdened by rumors, it's inevitable that more trouble will arise.
And indeed, it turned out exactly as Lin Yucheng had predicted. After someone in the Eastern Palace analyzed the meaning of the folk song, they quickly reported it to the Crown Prince.
Upon hearing this, Liu Kang was truly enraged. In his view, the Imperial Concubine's ambition was now crystal clear. She had only just had a son, yet she was already scheming to seize his position as Crown Prince.
Although Lin Yuqiao was made a Noble Consort, her father, Marquis Chen Liang, did not receive an imperial edict, but her elder brother, Lin Yucheng, was promoted from Councilor to Provincial Governor. This was a very important official position in the Qin Dynasty, whose duties included promulgating government decrees, managing subordinate officials, and controlling finances. It could be said that after becoming Provincial Governor, Lin Yucheng had already stepped one foot into the cabinet.
Furthermore, thanks to the impact of the reforms, Lin Yucheng has gained considerable prestige in the court and is the youngest second-rank minister in Qin Dynasty for many years, with unlimited potential for the future.
Although the Crown Prince's maternal grandfather was granted the title of Duke Cheng'en, he did not have any real power, and Wang's brother was only a fourth-rank official, the Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.
This disparity caused the Crown Prince some anxiety, as he worried that the Third Prince would covet him in the future. Therefore, he also recruited talents extensively in the Eastern Palace to cultivate his own power.
The Crown Prince's Palace has officials modeled after those in the imperial court, and many people are willing to join the Crown Prince's Palace for a greater guarantee for their future.
Due to the lack of effective screening and the large number of officials in the Eastern Palace, the palace was a mixed bag, with both good and bad officials present.
Therefore, after the incident, some of the officials in the Crown Prince's faction who were eager to rise in power suggested that they unite their faction and submit a memorial to the Crown Prince to hold the Consort accountable.
After discussing it with his maternal uncle, Wang Heqing, the crown prince adopted the suggestion. The next day, Wang Heqing, along with his close colleagues and officials from the Eastern Palace, submitted a memorial requesting that the imperial concubine be punished.
Those people fabricated numerous charges against her, including flattering the monarch, causing chaos in the harem, plotting to overthrow the state, and coveting the crown prince's position—each charge sounding quite alarming. They not only implicated her in the emperor's favored position in the harem but also blamed her for the death of Consort Lü and the prophecy.
Upon seeing their memorial, Liu Heng was furious in the court and threw it back at He Yan, the chief minister who had submitted it.
"The Imperial Consort has always been virtuous and kind. What grounds do you have to frame her? The memorials submitted to the court were originally intended for the sake of your families, the country, and the nation. However, matters of the inner palace are my family matters. This memorial is nothing but baseless accusations and slanderous words against the Imperial Consort. Your intentions are utterly despicable!"
After being scolded by Liu Heng, everyone in the court knew that His Majesty was protecting the Consort, and no one dared to cause any further trouble. Besides, there was really no clear evidence to prove that the Consort had actually done anything treasonous.
After the court session, Lin Yucheng encountered the emperor's brother-in-law, Wang Heqing, at the palace gate and couldn't help but be subjected to a barrage of veiled sarcasm from him.
"Brother Lin is now a very successful man. Having a good sister is the envy of everyone. Will the young men of the Lin family have any worries about their future?"
Wang Heqing's words to Lin Yucheng were full of sarcasm because the memorial that everyone in the court had painstakingly planned had failed to achieve its intended effect. He was implying that Lin Yucheng had risen to power by relying on his sister.
Lin Yucheng smiled faintly, and the spring scenery of ten miles suddenly appeared.
"I dare not accept such praise. Speaking of my sister, Her Majesty is the mother of the nation. Who else has the good fortune of being the emperor's brother-in-law?"
He was charming and his words sounded like genuine flattery, but those in the know were secretly laughing to themselves.
The Wang family has a long tradition of scholarship and propriety, and has been a prominent family in the Qin Dynasty for centuries. However, in recent years, the younger generation of the family has not been outstanding, and two generations have been living off their past achievements. Even the fact that the Empress's branch of the family was granted the title of Duke of Cheng'en has not substantially changed the situation.
If we're talking about someone who rose to prominence through their sister, Wang Heqing would be the first in the court. He's always been mediocre, and he only got promoted to Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices because of the Empress, yet he still has the nerve to criticize others.
"snort!"
Wang Heqing was short and stout with a round belly, while Lin Yucheng was tall and elegant, and even though he was already thirty, he still had a handsome face and outstanding temperament.
Comparing the two situations, Wang Heqing himself felt it was inappropriate to stand at the door with him and be stared at. He glared at Lin Yucheng and climbed into his own carriage.
The previous dynasty's attempt to suppress the imperial concubine failed, so the crown prince made a special trip to the palace to request an audience with the empress.
The Empress was unaware of that folk song. Upon hearing it, she was shocked. The Imperial Concubine had been so audacious, and she was also troubled by the second half of the folk song.
"The more critical the moment, the more calm the Crown Prince must be. The Third Prince is young, and the Consort's scheme will not succeed in a short time. Once the case in the harem is investigated, she will naturally end up shooting herself in the foot."
After giving the Crown Prince some advice while trying to appear calm, the Empress couldn't help but feel uneasy.
Now Liu Heng has taken full responsibility for the whole incident, and she doesn't know what he has found out.
Although she wasn't directly involved in Zhen'er and Baili's affairs, she was still unsure and worried that she might be implicated.
Especially after hearing that Zhen'er and Ji'er had been detained, Ji'er had committed suicide, and Baili Shi had been imprisoned awaiting judgment, the Empress was filled with a bad feeling.
Starting with Feng Qicai, Liu Heng investigated further, implicating Zhen Cai Ren, Ji Cai Ren, Baili Zhaoyi, and a string of others, gradually making the whole incident clear. After obtaining the confessions from the court, Liu Heng went to Kunning Palace that night.
"This Lady Ji comes from your royal family. What do you take my harem for? You let just anyone in!"
Liu Heng's tone was quite harsh, and the Empress's eyes reddened; she felt deeply wronged.
"Your Majesty, I am completely devoted to you! I have no idea what has happened. Even if Your Majesty is reprimanding me, you should give me a chance to confess my guilt. How can you suddenly implicate the Duke of Cheng'en's mansion?"
Although the Empress knelt down to confess her guilt, her neck remained stiff, completely unaware of how this had anything to do with her maternal family.
Jill has committed suicide. Was there something wrong with her?
All the statements of those detained in the case have been compiled, and Liu Heng instructed Li Silai to take the compiled records to the Empress.
After his initial anger subsided, Liu Heng remained dissatisfied with the Empress. It was all because she had schemed to gain favor in the harem by bringing Zhen'er and Ji'er along, only to be used and cause so much trouble.
Looking at the interrogation transcript in her hand, the Empress's expression grew increasingly shocked, and her face turned pale.
"You can get up now."
Knowing that the Empress had also been kept in the dark and taken advantage of, Liu Heng sighed and asked the Empress to rise and sit in the chair below him.
"This Jill is really..."
After reviewing the entire case, the Empress became uneasy. Zhen'er, Ji'er, and the others were all servants purchased by the Prince's Mansion. Because of their good looks, they were specially trained and carefully instructed for other purposes.
Later, when Lin entered the household, the old lady of the Wang family, fearing that the empress would lose favor, selected Zhen'er and Ji'er, the two most outstanding women, and made them her concubines to secure her own favor.
She really didn't expect that Jill had betrayed them sometime during the Wang family's timeline, perhaps even while she was still with them.
It turns out that ever since Liu Heng ordered his secret guards to investigate Feng Qicai in secret, every move in the Xifu Palace has been monitored.
For the servants in Xifu Palace, especially Huang San and others, Lü Liangdi's death was nothing more than a pebble thrown into a pond, which would soon be forgotten.
Noticing Zhen Cai's unease, Huang San assumed that his coercion had worked. He had been waiting for a while and his patience had long since run out, so he prepared to seize the opportunity to close the net.
That evening, Huang Sanshi put aphrodisiac powder into Zhen Cairen's soup for dinner.
During this period, Zhen Cai Ren was filled with fear, afraid that Lü Liang Di's affair would be exposed. Even when she was exhausted at night, she had nightmares and could not get a full night's sleep. Over time, she became haggard.
She didn't have a good appetite either; she only drank two sips of the soup at dinner before putting the bowl down.
That night, Zhencai was burning with desire and, in a half-dreaming state, Huang San sneaked into her room. Runhe, who was guarding outside, was also drugged with a sleeping potion.
"Little beauty, you're missing men, aren't you!"
Lifting the curtain, Huang San, by the moonlight, saw Zhen'er's shapely figure, slender waist, and fair face flushed, and felt a tingling sensation in his heart.
Reaching out, he unfastened Zhen'er's inner garment, revealing her thin nightgown, beneath which the brightly colored blouse depicting mandarin ducks playing in the water was dazzling. Huang San pressed close to her body, inhaling her soft, warm fragrance. His hand slipped inside the blouse along one side of Zhen'er's garment, roaming over her delicate skin, and then grasped and kneaded one of her breasts.
Feeling unwell, Zhen'er struggled to open her eyes. Startled, she pushed Huang San away and screamed.
According to Huang San's plan, after the effects of the aphrodisiac were released, the women who were affected would experience physical reactions, but they would be completely immersed in a dream and unable to wake up. However, Zhen Cairen woke up, interrupting his interest, which made him very unhappy.
"What are you pretending to be, you slut who'll be ridden to pieces sooner or later!"
Huang San glared at Zhen'er while cursing, then ripped off the bed curtains and pounced on her. Ignoring her struggles, he quickly tied her hands and feet.
During this time, Zhen'er scratched his face several times, causing his eyes to swell. After tying him up, Huang San first grabbed Zhen'er's hair and slapped her several times, then spat before tearing her clothes off, revealing her naked and shapely body.
"No! Don't come any closer! Help me, someone please help me!"
Zhen'er was filled with extreme fear. She shook her head and kept shrinking into the bed, tears streaming down her face. She felt even more disgusted and terrified when she saw Huang San take off his clothes and tie a silver brace to his limp groin between his legs.
"Shut up! Just put up with it!"
With a wicked grin, Huang San picked up the torn-off underpants and stuffed them into her mouth.
Just as Zhen'er closed her eyes in despair, thinking that everything was over, she suddenly heard a muffled groan, followed by a heavy object falling beside her.
When Zhen'er opened her eyes, she shrank back in fright. Huang San was lying face down next to her, with a bronze candlestick stuck upside down on his back.
"Don't be afraid, I'm here to save you."
Jill struggled to pull Huang San off the bed, removed the thing from Zhen'er's mouth, and then helped her untie her hands and feet.
After Huang San slept in Zhen'er's bed, Zhen'er went to the West Palace to sleep with Ji'er. However, the two did not share a room; instead, each slept in a separate room.
Jill woke up immediately after hearing Zhen'er's scream from the next room. After hesitating for a moment, she initially tried to pretend she hadn't heard it.
But thinking of the friendship he and Zhen'er had shared over the years, he couldn't bring himself to do it, so he put on his clothes and got out of bed.
She looked around the room for a while, then took the handle from the candlestick and pointed the pointed end at people to defend herself.
When Jill arrived at Zhen'er's room, she saw Huang San with his back to her, about to force Zhen'er into that act. Enraged, she forcefully grabbed the candlestick and stabbed Huang San.
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