One morning, Xu Yuehuai was dressing up in her room, preparing to go to the main hall to report the progress of the case to Bai Yu.
However, just as she stepped out of the room, she suddenly saw a group of maids and eunuchs gathered together, all with expressions of terror on their faces.
Xu Yuehuai's heart tightened, and she quickly went over to ask what had happened. However, when she saw the scene on the ground, her face instantly turned pale.
There lay a corpse on the ground—it was He Huan. A dagger was embedded in her chest, and blood had stained the ground red.
Xu Yuehuai could not believe her eyes; such a cruel murder had occurred again in this palace!
Just then, a eunuch rushed over and said to Xu Yuehuai, "Xu Xiunü, the Emperor has learned of He Xiunü's death and has ordered you to go to the main hall to see him immediately!"
Xu Yuehuai didn't speak; she simply nodded silently. She knew she had to face everything bravely and find out the truth behind these events.
Bathed in sunlight, Xu Yuehuai walked alone onto the stone path leading to the main hall, her heart shrouded in a thick fog, filled with confusion and bewilderment. Every strange event that occurred in the harem seemed to be intricately connected to her, which made her feel an inexplicable pressure.
As she stepped into that magnificent hall, she saw the White Feather Emperor's deep and solemn eyes. In those eyes, she read the same troubles and confusion.
Xu Yuehuai knew that both of them were drawn into this series of mysterious events, as if they were tightly bound by an invisible net.
"Shen Xiunü, what are your thoughts on He Xiunü's death?" Bai Yu's voice echoed in the empty hall, deep and powerful.
Xu Yuehuai took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. She knew that only by finding the culprit who had been causing trouble could she clear her name.
Therefore, she firmly stated, "Your Majesty, I believe that He Xiunü's death is somehow connected to Li Xiunü's case. Both murders occurred in the palace and were related to Xiunü. I firmly believe that there must be a larger conspiracy behind this."
Bai Yu listened to Xu Yuehuai's account, his brows furrowed. He understood that what the young lady had said was not unfounded. Indeed, the palace harbored many unknown secrets and power struggles.
"So, who do you think the real murderer is?" Bai Yu's voice, tinged with anticipation, broke the heavy silence that hung in the air. His gaze was intense, fixed on the woman before him, hoping she could reveal the truth hidden behind the layers of mystery.
Xu Yuehuai lowered her head slightly, avoiding Bai Yu's sharp gaze. Her fingers gently rubbed against the wide sleeves of her robe, as if searching for some kind of support. Then, she took a deep breath, decisively raised her head, and met Bai Yu's gaze: "Your Majesty, I believe that the real murderer is definitely related to the Dowager Consort."
As soon as she finished speaking, the hall fell silent. The air seemed to freeze, and even breathing became cautious.
Bai Yu's gaze lingered on Xu Yuehuai's face, trying to glean more information from her expression.
Xu Yuehuai's gaze was firm and profound, as if she had seen through the Empress Dowager's disguise. She continued to calmly analyze the Empress Dowager's motives and the possibility of her crime, every word filled with power. Although her voice was low, it echoed in the hall like a morning bell and evening drum, shaking the hearts of everyone present.
Bai Yu listened quietly to Xu Yuehuai's analysis, his brows furrowed as if he were pondering every detail. Then, he slowly nodded, indicating his agreement with Xu Yuehuai's viewpoint.
He gave Xu Yuehuai a deep look, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes: "I deeply admire your courage and wisdom. I will provide you with all the necessary support, and I hope you can assist me in investigating this case."
Xu Yuehuai smiled slightly, a resolute glint in her eyes. She knew this would be a difficult struggle, but she was prepared. She bowed deeply to Bai Yu, then turned and left the hall.
In the days that followed, Xu Yuehuai began her investigation. She delved into every corner of the palace, speaking with everyone who might be involved. However, no matter how hard she tried, she never found any compelling evidence.
The Empress Dowager's influence extends throughout the palace and beyond. She has many spies and informants, and Xu Yuehuai's every move is under her control.
However, Xu Yuehuai did not give up. She firmly believed that her judgment was correct, but she still needed to find that crucial evidence. So she persisted, and despite the numerous difficulties, she never backed down.
Every night, Xu Yuehuai would stand alone by the window of the main hall, gazing at the starry sky outside. Her heart was filled with doubt and anxiety, but she knew she couldn't give up. She had to find the truth for those innocent victims and bring them justice.
In this process, Xu Yuehuai gradually discovered another side of Bai Yu. He was not just a cold-blooded emperor; he also had his own weaknesses and helplessness. He struggled in the power struggle and had to make some compromises in order to maintain his position and the stability of the country.
Xu Yuehuai began to understand his predicament and helplessness, and developed a sense of sympathy and respect for him.
Surprisingly, Xu Yuehuai's life became increasingly difficult.
The palace was not as simple as she had imagined. Here, everyone had their own goals and desires, and everyone was fighting openly and secretly for power and status.
Xu Yuehuai stood in the palace corridor, gazing at the garden in the distance, blooming with flowers, but her heart was filled with desolation. She felt as if she were isolated in an invisible cage, surrounded by indifference and hostility.
Du Juan, Zhao Xi, and other young ladies began to distance themselves from her and no longer treated her with the same politeness as before.
Xu Yuehuai tried to approach them to explain that he had nothing to do with the deaths of Li Xiunü and He Huan, but each time he was coldly rejected by them.
She even overheard people whispering behind her back, accusing her of murdering Li Xiunü and He Huan.
These accusations were like sharp knives, piercing deeply into her heart.
She felt incredibly wronged and helpless. She knew she couldn't give up like this, couldn't let herself be wronged and misunderstood. She had to find evidence to prove her innocence.
So Xu Yuehuai began to travel far and wide, continuing her search for clues. She traversed every corner of the palace, questioning everyone who might know the situation. She was desperately seeking the truth, hoping to clear her name.
During this process, Xu Yuehuai's expression became increasingly firm and resolute. Her eyes shone with an indomitable light, as if saying, "I will definitely find the truth and prove my innocence."
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