Chapter 327: My Own Cocoon 01

Chapter 327

As the evening approached, the light in the hall gradually dimmed.

Xiao Jingheng glanced at Zhang Imperial Physician, signaling him with his eyes.

Zhang Imperial Physician promptly stepped forward to take the teapot brought by Xiao Yinzi, carefully examining its contents.

After a while, he reported with a bow, "Your Majesty, in this Gardenia Sweet Dew, someone has added Xixin and Guiwei herbs, which have been distilled and purified multiple times, making their medicinal effects even stronger. Xixin is known for its warmth and dispelling of stagnant Qi, while Guiwei promotes blood circulation and regulates menstruation. The combination of the two is indeed a potent weapon for causing a miscarriage..."

As he spoke, Ning Wanshuang and a group of concubines had hurriedly arrived.

Upon hearing Zhang Imperial Physician's words, Ning Wanshuang exclaimed, "Your Majesty, I remember that this Gardenia Sweet Dew was exclusively given to Consort Hui as a reward. How could such a mishap occur with something bestowed by the imperial court?"

Consort Ying also said, "The items presented before the Emperor surely wouldn't have such oversight. It must be the fault of the palace attendants responsible for delivering the meals."

Xiao Jingheng furrowed his brows, coldly remarking, "Investigate. Not only should we investigate the palace attendants responsible for delivering the meals, but also the maidservants in Zhaochun Palace!"

This would involve a lot of people in the ensuing investigation.

Chan Er, who served Consort Hui closely and never left her side in the inner chambers, heard that Consort Hui had a miscarriage due to the Gardenia Sweet Dew. She hurriedly ran to the Emperor, anxiously pleading, "Your Majesty! I am Chan Er, the servant who serves Consort Hui. Since Her Ladyship became pregnant, I have been extremely cautious when handling anything that comes into Zhaochun Palace. As for the food, I have triple-checked for poison and had the palace attendants responsible for tasting the meals do the same, ensuring that everything was safe before presenting it to Her Ladyship. I dare to guarantee that there was absolutely no problem with the Gardenia Sweet Dew..."

"Ah..." Zhang Imperial Physician sighed with worry, interrupting Chan Er's words. "Forgive this humble official for speaking out of turn. I have repeatedly reminded everyone that during Her Ladyship's pregnancy, everything that goes into her mouth must be inspected by me first.

The Xixin and Guiwei added to the Gardenia Sweet Dew are medicinal herbs used for treating illnesses, and they cannot be detected through a poison test. Moreover, what use is it to have the palace attendants who tasted the food assess these substances that promote Qi circulation and blood flow?"

"It's impossible!" Chan Er replied firmly. "Although Zhang Imperial Physician did not inspect it, I have a good understanding of medical principles. On the day the Gardenia Sweet Dew was presented to Consort Hui and Consort Shun, I also rechecked it and found nothing unusual at that time. But now, the problem lies within this pot of Gardenia Sweet Dew...

After it entered Zhaochun Palace, I have been solely responsible for storing it, with no possibility of anyone else coming into contact with it. If we are to say that someone else had contact with it, it would only be Consort Shun when she took off the lid today."

Consort Yao took a sharp breath upon hearing this. "Are you suggesting that Consort Shun tampered with it herself?"

"Consort Yao, please use your brain a little," Ning Wanshuang sneered and retorted, "Consort Hui and Consort Shun have no grievances or conflicts for a long time. Why would she use her firstborn's favor to conspire against Consort Hui?"

Xiao Jingheng then asked, "Do you remember what the person looked like?"

The palace maid nodded repeatedly, and Xiao Jingheng declared, "Take this eunuch to the Astronomical Bureau and have her identify him. We must quickly find out everyone who had contact with him today!"

As this matter concerned the imperial harem, Xiao Jingheng entrusted the investigation to Ning Wanshuang.

On the following day, when the consorts hurried to Yonghe Palace to pay respects to Ning Wanshuang,

Look at her weary expression and continuous yawning. It seems she hasn't slept a wink all night.

He Chang expressed his concern, "Empress Consort, you must be exhausted from dealing with the incident of the traitor poisoning."

Consort Yao also said, "It's truly pitiful for Consort Hui and Consort Shun. We still don't know whose wicked hand caused them such suffering, and they haven't regained consciousness until now..."

Consort Yun raised an eyebrow and looked at Ning Wanshuang, asking, "Have you found any clues, Empress Consort?"

Just then, a solemn announcement from the palace attendants outside interrupted the chatter of the consorts.

"His Majesty has arrived!"

Everyone stood up and respectfully greeted the Emperor at the door. Xiao Jingheng entered with broad strides, motioning for everyone to be seated before taking his place next to Ning Wanshuang at the head of the table. He asked,

"What have you discovered that made you so anxious to see me?"

Ning Wanshuang replied with a hint of fear, "As the one in charge of the six palaces, if this matter had occurred within the harem, it would have been manageable for me to handle. But it involves important figures from the previous dynasty, and I dare not make decisions without Your Majesty's guidance."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingheng, puzzled, clapped his hands sharply toward the door and said,

"Kang Yubin, bring the person in."

[End of the chapter. I'll resume with two chapters tomorrow as I need to rest now.]