Feng Guche stared sharply at the Empress, "Empress, how do you intend to prove your innocence?"
The questioning voice was laced with anger.
The Empress calmly explained, "This bamboo orchid is a tribute item. It only blooms once every fifty years, making it extremely precious. It symbolizes nobility and elegance, and its unique fragrance can bring joy to the mind. I originally intended to give this bamboo orchid to the Empress Dowager, but coincidentally, on the day I delivered it to Cining Palace, I learned that Consort Rong was pregnant."
"I am overjoyed that Consort Rong has given birth to her first child. Your Majesty is also delighted that the royal family has another child. Pregnant women are prone to mood swings, so Your Majesty has permitted me to bestow this bamboo orchid upon Consort Rong."
Upon hearing the Empress's explanation, Feng Guche's expression softened slightly.
Consort Rong listened to the Empress's explanation, her pale face showing considerable resentment. How dare Shen Biyun say that she was happy for her? Deep down, she must have wished for her to miscarry. Even if she wanted to refute it, this involved the Empress Dowager. No matter how much the Emperor favored her, she dared not act unreasonably.
The Empress continued, "If I had truly framed Consort Rong, why would I have poisoned her at the flower-viewing banquet? Wouldn't that have been telling everyone who the prime suspect was?"
Feng Guche's eyes darkened.
Consort Xian, who was standing nearby, said, "Your Majesty, what the Empress said is not without reason. We still need to find evidence before making a conclusion."
Even though there was no evidence to prove that the Empress was responsible for Consort Rong's miscarriage, Feng Guche still severely reprimanded the Empress for failing to investigate the suspicious person as the head of the six palaces, causing Consort Rong great harm. She was confined to her quarters for a month as punishment.
How could the Empress dare to object? She could only accept it.
The only person who could get the Empress to be reprimanded by the Emperor was Consort Rong.
Then.
Feng Guche ordered people to investigate the food that Consort Rong had eaten, and that those who had attended the flower-viewing banquet were now forbidden from leaving the palace.
Feng Guche comforted Consort Rong and told her to rest well.
Ji Luoyan prescribed a remedy to help her recover.
Subsequently, the Imperial Guards began a thorough search of the entire inner palace. The commander of the Imperial Guards was Consort Rong's younger brother, so the intensity of the search was such that there could be no mistakes or negligence.
The entire harem was thrown into a state of panic and fear.
After Feng Guche comforted Consort Rong and put her to sleep, he left Yufu Palace, while Ji Luoyan stayed in the palace to take care of her.
At this moment.
A handsome man in full armor strode towards the Jade Hibiscus Palace.
"Falling geese!"
When Ji Luoyan saw the man enter, she stood up and walked over, saying in a gentle tone, "You've come."
Qi Mingsen glanced into the inner hall and asked worriedly, "How is my sister now?"
"Your emotions have stabilized, you've rested, so you don't need to worry too much."
"That's good. Will this affect my sister's health?"
"Although it was a miscarriage due to poisoning, it did not cause any fundamental damage. With careful treatment, there will be no problems."
Qi Mingsen nodded, breathed a sigh of relief, then his eyes sharpened, he clenched his fists, and said, "No matter what, I must find out who is behind this."
Ji Luoyan simply said, "Just do your best."
Qi Mingsen looked at Ji Luoyan and asked, "In your opinion, Luoyan, who is most likely the murderer?"
He asked this question because he was well aware of his wife's intelligence and capabilities.
Six months later, a case of poisoning of imperial concubines occurred in the palace. Ji Luoyan happened to be in the palace and immediately recognized the culprit. After some investigation, it turned out to be the person she had suspected.
Not to mention that he was able to sit in the position of commander of the Imperial Guard at such a young age, and Consort Rong's current favor is all thanks to Ji Luoyan's guidance and management. This shows how strong her ability to recognize people, understand people's hearts, and plan and scheme is.
Ji Luoyan turned her gaze away, stepped aside, and said, "This time it involves too many things, it's hard to judge. Just investigate as much as you can, you'll eventually find some clues."
Seeing that she was unwilling to say more, Qi Mingsen did not press her further: "Alright then, Luo Yan, please take good care of your sister."
Ji Luoyan hummed in agreement.
The Empress returned to the Phoenix Palace, leaned back on the Phoenix Throne, closed her eyes, and pondered.
At this moment.
A palace maid came to report, "Your Majesty, Princess Weiyang and General Shen request an audience."
The Empress slowly opened her eyes and said, "Let them in."
Shen Nanzhi and Mu Chenshuang entered the hall.
"You've arrived."
Shen Nan stepped forward and asked, "Auntie, what's the situation now?"
The Empress gave a brief explanation.
"So someone deliberately framed him," Shen Nanzhi said in a heavy tone.
"What happened today was not unexpected. Just think about who wants to take control of the Libei Army, and the mastermind behind it will be self-evident."
Shen Nanzhi frowned. The most popular candidates in the court right now were none other than the Crown Prince, the Prince of Cheng, Qi Mingsen, and himself, as well as the candidates recommended by the Ministry of War.
The people recommended by the Ministry of War would not be able to cause trouble in the inner palace, and Consort Rong would certainly not use her own child to frame someone.
"Does Aunt suspect Consort Xian?"
The Empress remained silent, her eyes fixed on the scene.
Mu Chenshuang retorted, "But Consort Xian should not be such a foolish person. She should know very well that once the investigation begins, she will be the prime suspect in framing the Empress. In the struggle for military power, Consort Xian should not risk putting herself in a dangerous situation at this time. To dare to plot Consort Rong's miscarriage and frame you, the Empress, is a serious crime. The other party must have made careful preparations and planned everything in advance."
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