Consort Cheng lowered her head and said meekly, "Thank you, Your Highness, for being willing to stand up for me."
After Consort Cheng left, Imperial Noble Consort Tong immediately ordered someone to investigate the matter of the kitchen. That afternoon, a young eunuch died inexplicably in the kitchen, and a small handful of gold melon seeds were found in the young eunuch's residence.
The investigation could not proceed further.
Taking the opportunity, Consort Tong reorganized the Imperial Kitchen, punishing some people and promoting others.
Then, Consort Cheng was summoned and told the outcome of the matter. Consort Cheng cried and said aggrievedly, "Your Majesty, I consider myself honest and law-abiding. Yet, someone has died for no reason. I cannot eat or sleep properly. I beg Your Majesty to do justice for me!"
Consort Tong raised an eyebrow: "How do you want me to make decisions for you?"
Consort Cheng said, "The death of the eunuch in the imperial kitchen is very suspicious and mysterious. I am of low rank and can endure a few stale meals, but the imperial kitchen is a place where food is cooked for the masters of the palace. If someone dares to bribe the people in the kitchen, it is no small matter. It is a small matter if I go hungry for a few meals, but what if the person behind it has ulterior motives and has a bigger plan?"
Consort Tong: "According to you, I can't just not investigate?"
Consort Cheng lowered her head and spoke in a voice barely audible: "This concubine is only thinking of the safety of everyone in the palace."
Consort Tong solemnly said, "What you said makes sense, and it should indeed be investigated. The matter of the kitchen was also due to my negligence. Take back two bolts of the new silk sent by the Imperial Household Department to make clothes. I will investigate the matter of the kitchen myself."
Consort Cheng was satisfied and took the silk with her.
As for how the investigation will go, that's not something she can decide; sometimes the truth isn't important.
After Consort Cheng left, Imperial Noble Consort Tong continued her investigation. At the same time, news spread throughout the palace that Consort Shu had taken revenge on Consort Cheng by having the kitchen send her spoiled food.
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