The news of the nesting dolls spread to the imperial palace and the prince's villa, and everyone instructed the guards to be extremely careful and cautious whenever they went to the market.
Emperor Kangxi was furious and sent Tulichen to investigate. He also ordered Su Peisheng to send the matryoshka dolls to Imperial Physician Yuan for further investigation. He wanted to find out who dared to harm the princesses.
"Is the little girl alright?" Consort Tong, having also heard the rumors, quickly asked.
Kangxi shook his head directly, saying that Hutulifengsheng Zhalafen should have no relation to him.
"In a little while, the fourth prince and Qingyan will return with the children. The situation in the south is not good either." Kangxi couldn't figure out who this nesting doll was aimed at.
At this moment, he shared a similar thought with Yin, believing that the matryoshka dolls were probably intended for Songkrilha, since the little girl was the most suitable age, and Songkrilha was the eldest of the third generation of princesses.
Upon hearing the news, the eligible princesses from the royal family and clan who had accompanied the emperor became uneasy. Some were even ordered to stay at home, and all their purchases from outside were sealed away.
The imperial physicians of the Imperial Hospital were even busier, shuttling between various villas to pray for the safety of the noble ladies.
Sure enough, some other medicines were found beside the noble ladies.
Not only were the toys contaminated with harmful medicinal herbs, but even the purses and small wooden hairpins that were purchased were stained with some unhealthy medicines.
Instantly, the entourage was filled with apprehension, hoping that their daughters would not be drawn into the vortex of the royal family.
Amidst a constant stream of bad news, Yin and Qingyan returned to the imperial palace, appearing before Emperor Kangxi and Consort Tong with the twins. The two emperors looked the twins over; indeed, the children were alright.
Shu carried the twins into the inner chamber, while Yin and Qingyan were left behind.
The two looked at each other, noticing the confusion in each other's eyes.
"Tulichen, tell the fourth prince again!" Kangxi didn't want to say more. After all, Cao Yin had worked hard for many years, and now he shouldn't doubt Cao Yin.
Upon hearing about the separate residences of the royal family and the imperial clan, Yin found out some items that had a significant impact on the health of the noble ladies.
He sneered, "Now, the most important thing is to investigate who those people are doing business with, and to investigate the source of each person's goods."
Yin recounted his observations, and Kangxi's expression grew even more somber. If Cao Yin were to actually make a move, he would find it difficult to handle the situation.
"Tulichen, this matter is entrusted to you. You must give me an answer before dinner!" Kangxi commanded.
Yin followed closely behind, bringing his wife and daughter with him. Fortunately, Yin had mentioned it early. He even said that he would buy the matryoshka doll for Songkelierha when they went to the night market.
"Fourth brother, you really saved Songkelierha's life!" Yin Tai knew that if girls got into trouble, they would definitely be bullied when they went to their parents' home. Yin Tai used his own methods to protect them.
Yin repeatedly said it was nothing.
"Eldest son, are you also planning to buy one?" Kangxi asked, looking at Yin.
"Grandpa, it's because my granddaughter likes that nesting doll, so she made me buy it!" Songkriyirha was startled. Luckily, his fourth uncle reminded him in time, otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
It's understandable that Consort Tong liked such exquisite things; girls all like them.
Back then, Emperor Kangxi took her to the night market, and she bought quite a few toys to take home.
"It's only natural to refrain from buying things from outside for now," Consort Tong quickly advised.
After calming down, Kangxi realized that the maids were safe and sound, which was a stroke of luck. Now, they needed to find the culprit.
"Mother is right, Father Emperor. Your son hopes that the investigation can be conducted without alarming Lord Cao." Yin was worried that the Cao family's interests were involved, and it would be troublesome if the evidence was destroyed in advance.
Yin sat to the side and also agreed with Yin's suggestion.
After all, the south is Cao Yin's territory. If they make too big a move, Cao Yin will definitely be on guard, and then things will become extremely troublesome.
Qingyan, however, had a different opinion. She believed that Cao Yin wouldn't be so stupid. Each of the princesses had one or two people who knew medicine. If they followed them out, the things with the specific medicine applied would definitely be discovered immediately. At that time, even if Cao Yin had a lot of words, he wouldn't be able to explain himself clearly.
"Hmm." Kangxi understood Yin's concerns. Tulichen had personally gone to investigate and was already preparing to bypass Cao Yin.
Li Dequan rushed in from outside and whispered a few words in Kangxi's ear, causing Kangxi's face to darken immediately.
Outside the palace gates, many members of the imperial family gathered, ready to demand an explanation from Emperor Kangxi, as their daughters had been drugged during his southern tour.
For a large family, these girls were the result of a lot of effort and careful upbringing.
Now, however, they have all become useless pawns. They are basically the next batch of imperial concubines, all of whom are of marriageable age and noble ladies. This time, they accompanied the emperor on the southern tour in the hope of making a better impression on him.
"Too clever by half!" This phrase came to Qingyan's mind. The women kept an eye on the inner palace, and even more so on the princes' private quarters. At every banquet, Qingyan was surrounded by many wives of the principal wife, who constantly probed his attitude with their words.
They hoped that people could enter Yin's inner court, but Qingyan would not easily give in, and pushed all these matters onto Yin to handle.
"Don't talk nonsense!" Yin and Qingyan were of one mind, and upon hearing Qingyan's words, Yin immediately reprimanded her.
Before Emperor Kangxi, Qingyan lowered her head, looking troubled and sad.
Yin Genjue Luo was even more furious. Songkelierha was to be betrothed in a few years, and in just a few short years, the child's life would be ruined.
"Father, I hope you can do justice for me. Songkelierha is my only legitimate son." Yin was a filial father, and if anything happened to his daughter, he wouldn't hesitate to go on a killing spree.
Kangxi looked at Yin and Yin, feeling extremely annoyed. He had crossed their bottom line, and if either of them dared to take another step forward, they would surely retaliate.
At this moment, Kangxi prayed in his heart that it was not Cao Yin who had arranged it.
During each southern tour, Cao Yin would deal with the merchants in advance, having some yamen runners disguise themselves as merchants, fearing that these people might become the culprits who harmed Kangxi.
This is definitely not an ordinary situation!
Out of the corner of his eye, Qingyan noticed that Kangxi's expression flickered a few times, as if he had made up his mind about something.
"Well, Tulichen has investigated the truth. You two go and handle it." Kangxi decided to entrust this matter to Yinzhi and Yinzhi.
If they don't get their revenge, they'll definitely hate him.
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