Jiang Zhijing blinked innocently, her tone mocking: "Princess, you think too highly of me. This is the imperial palace. I'm imprisoned here, and my every move is under your watchful eyes. How could I possibly poison your Emperor?"
Yan Mingyi narrowed her eyes, her expression turning cold: "I think His Highness the Crown Prince has connections everywhere, he might actually have that ability!"
However, now is not the time to pursue this matter; she needs to go to the palace to check on the emperor's condition.
"Guards!" Yan Mingyi glanced at Jiang Zhijing. "Lock the princess in a cell temporarily, awaiting His Majesty's judgment after he awakens!"
This person is quite cunning. If we let her stay here, who knows what trouble she might cause?
Jiang Zhijing did not resist, but raised her lips slightly as the guard approached: "No need to trouble you, I can walk by myself."
Yan Mingyi left in a hurry, and Shen Tangning frowned as she watched this scene.
Jiang Zhijing was far more capable than she had imagined, even managing to infiltrate the palace; no wonder the eldest princess was so wary of her.
Could she have accomplices?
...
Shen Tangning returned home, but Chi Yan had not yet returned.
She guessed that the palace must be in chaos right now, and he must be too busy to spare any time for anything else.
Sure enough, Chi Yan still hadn't returned home by dinner time, and Chi's mother couldn't help but worry. Seeing this, Shen Tangning asked, "Mother, why do you look so worried?"
Mrs. Chi put down her chopsticks and sighed, "I'm not afraid to admit it, but I used to worry about him because he was idle and lazy. Now that he's an official, I'm even more anxious. I'm constantly dealing with these troublesome things, and I'm afraid that one day it will bring disaster upon me!"
The struggles in the imperial court were no less intense than the sword fights on the battlefield, often resulting in the destruction of families and the loss of lives. Moreover, serving the emperor was like walking on thin ice; she couldn't help but worry that if her son offended someone or displeased His Majesty, disaster would befall them...
Shen Tangning could understand Chi's mother's feelings. Her worries were not without reason. The situation in the court was constantly changing, and no one could predict what would happen in the future.
However, she still smiled and comforted him, "Mother, don't worry. My husband is not without sense. He just doesn't say many things, but he understands them perfectly well." She paused, "Besides, His Majesty still needs him now."
If it has value, it won't be abandoned so quickly.
...
Chi Yan returned late at night. After washing up, he tiptoed into the inner room, thinking that Shen Tangning had already fallen asleep. But when he looked up, he saw her leaning against the pillow, seemingly awakened by the noise, her eyes showing signs of sleepiness.
"Why aren't you asleep yet?"
Shen Tangning stepped aside, regaining her composure somewhat: "I've been waiting for you."
Chi Yan felt a warmth in her heart. She had just sat down when she heard her ask, "Is His Majesty alright?"
He shook his head: "It's not a deadly poison. The person woke up once during the process, but is still a bit weak."
Shen Tangning couldn't help but feel regretful. Such a good opportunity, if Emperor Chongde were to pass away like this...
Her eyes darkened, and she frowned: "Have you found out who poisoned him?"
Chi Yan paused, his expression becoming complicated: "No need to investigate, a palace maid in the Hall of Mental Cultivation committed suicide out of fear of punishment."
"A palace maid?" Her expression froze, finding it somewhat absurd. "How could a palace maid have the audacity to poison His Majesty?"
Chi Yan curled his lips into a mocking smile: "The person was found to have committed suicide. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the palace maid and the palace maid in Consort Li's palace happened to be sisters. Isn't that a coincidence?"
His eyes gleamed, and he pursed his lips. "Consort Li has been banished to the Cold Palace, and the Empress has been keeping vigil over His Majesty all night. In short, there's more to this than meets the eye."
Shen Tangning's eyes trembled slightly. Judging from his tone, could it be that the Empress was also involved?
——
The Empress returned from the Hall of Mental Cultivation, looking exhausted. She glanced at the person in front of her and said, "If I hadn't discovered you in time, you would be a skeleton by now."
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