Chapter 190: The Poison 02

Chapter 190

Consort Yun, who was already in a state of confusion, turned pale when Xiao Jingheng glanced at her.

She took two steps forward and kneeled in front of Xiao Jingheng, explaining:

"Your Majesty, please understand! The fragrance I presented to the Empress was distilled from fresh flowers and fruits. It will not in any way harm the Empress's well-being. Before sending the fragrance to the Empress, I even had the imperial physician verify its safety to ensure that there were no issues."

Consort Yun was standing close to Xiao Jingheng, emitting a captivating and sweet scent with every movement.

Among the palace concubines, Consort Yun was known for her love of fragrances. In the past, when she was favored, Xiao Jingheng had even specially rewarded her with high-quality Morning Dew Fragrance.

After hearing her explanation, before Xiao Jingheng could speak, Shuang Ruo defended Consort Yun with a statement:

"If the Empress has truly been harmed, Consort Yun would not be the culprit. Consort Yun has always shown great respect and attentiveness towards the Empress, constantly serving her and carrying out her duties diligently."

Shuang Ruo's casual remark revealed a clue to Xiao Jingheng.

"The constant service" implied that Consort Yun would always be in the Empress's company.

So the Empress could smell this fragrance on Consort Yun every day?

Furthermore, Judge Chu had said earlier that Qi-Regulating Powder would not cause any harm to a normal person.

Xiao Jingheng pondered carefully and fixed his scrutinizing gaze on Consort Yun as he asked:

"What kind of powder are you using?"

"Well..." Consort Yun visibly became more flustered, trembling even in her speech, clearly betraying her guilt.

"Your Majesty, it's just... ordinary powder," she quickly explained.

Regardless of her explanation now, Xiao Jingheng wouldn't believe her.

He ordered Jiang Deshun to search Consort Yun's palace and find the Yi Yun Incense. It had to be brought to light.

Previously, when Consort Yun and Consort Chen came to Kun Ning Palace, they thought the Empress really wanted to discuss matters, so they didn't take precautions.

Consort Yun hadn't concealed or hidden the Yi Yun Incense, and it was easily found by the palace attendants.

When the item was presented to everyone, Xiao Jingheng instructed Shuang Ruo to carefully examine it, and soon the issue within it was exposed.

Understanding his intention, Jiang Deshun relayed Shuang Ruo's suspicions to Judge Chu.

After hearing this, Judge Chu said:

"If this is indeed the case, it would explain why the Empress's heart condition has been incurable for so long and the reasons behind the premature birth and hemorrhaging..."

Xiao Jingheng wanted to inquire further,

but at that moment, from the direction of the corridor, a heart-wrenching cry echoed through the air.

Everyone turned their heads in response,

Only to discover that the Empress, at some unknown time, had come out from the inner chamber and was standing by the side door, having heard everything.

She was dressed in a plain sleeping gown, her face pale as snow,

She was now seated on the ground, her emaciated hands tightly clutching her chest, veins bulging on her neck, temples throbbing. Her cries were hoarse and desperate, echoing like a cat in heat during spring, sending shivers down people's spines...

Shuang Ruo stumbled and rushed to the Empress's side, helping her up from the cold ground,

Xiao Jingheng followed closely, cradling the Empress in his arms, gently rubbing her trembling shoulders, whispering words of comfort.

Judge Chu also exclaimed, "Your Majesty, the Empress has just escaped danger. She must not be subjected to any more shocks!"

The Empress glared at Consort Yun with eyes filled with fury, crying uncontrollably, repeatedly questioning her.

"Consort Yun! I have always treated you like a sister, why! Why would you harm me like this?"

She protected her small abdomen, her words filled with anguish, "I can never bear children in the future... A woman who loses the ability to give birth and raise children, what difference is there between me and a useless person! I might as well be dead!"

The Empress cried so desperately, disregarding any dignity of a palace consort.

The other consorts rushed forward to console her, but Consort Yun collapsed on the ground, scared out of her wits.

Xiao Jingheng was also infuriated,

He almost shouted at Consort Yun, "Vile woman! Why did you plot against the Empress? Speak!"

Consort Yun stuttered and couldn't form a complete sentence, only bowing incessantly,

Xiao Jingheng became even more annoyed and ordered, "Guards! Drag her away and administer the stick punishment until she confesses!"