In the large hall, wisps of light fragrance wafted out of the incense burner decorated with a phoenix head, which was refreshing and relaxing.
The Empress, however, tensed up and felt cold as if her heart had fallen into a freezing cave. The center of her back was sweat-stained. Her hands placed on both sides of her skirt were also wet with sweat.
"Your Majesty..." The Empress wailed, her eyes bloodshot. Then she choked out, "Your Majesty, it has been many years since I married you. I know what I can't do and have never overstepped. I didn't intervene, and your people handled this matter later. Why do you suspect me now? What happened that year, that year..."
The Empress looked very painful. Slowly, she pressed her bosom and continued, "If, if I had wanted to deal with Prince Chen, why would I have made efforts to harm Princess Chen instead..."
Speaking of this, the Empress smiled wanly. "There are other things, aren't t
Since the doctor had already entered the Palace, sending him out would arouse suspicion. It was better for the doctor to stay here. For one thing, it displayed Prince Zhou's filial piety. For another, it meant they were perfectly open in all their actions. In addition, it would sound perfectly reasonable to the Emperor if he heard she let the doctor stay with the imperial physicians. At this time, they had better do everything in an open and aboveboard way so as not to awaken the Emperor's suspicion. The Empress thought this was the most difficult time for her, and she couldn't afford to arouse the Emperor's suspicion, not even the slightest. At present, she could be considered to be grounded. Her power had been divided and given to Consort of Virtue and Consort Ming. Outside the Palace, her son was also forbidden to leave his place. Thus, she could no longer discuss matters with her son. Everything happened fast. Not only Prince Zhou
While Chu Liuchen was spurring the flying horse on his way to the capital city, even at night, Shao Wanru welcomed the imperial physician. The imperial physician took a female physician with him. After feeling Shao Wanru's pulse, the female physician came in to change the fresh dressing for Shao Wanru's wound. After that, she left. Rui'an Great Elder Princess sat outside with a severe face, and the female physician came forward to salute her. "How is Princess Chen?" Rui'an Great Elder Princess asked coldly, looking nervous. "Your Grace, Princess Chen should take good care of herself," the female physician replied respectfully. "How is she?" Rui'an Great Elder Princess asked again. "Princess Chen is seriously injured." The female physician had to admit that although she was mentally prepared, she was greatly shocked when seeing Princess Chen's haggard look. Princess Chen was nearly killed. Fort
The assassination was so significant that the Emperor would not let Chu Liuchen intervene. Even if Chu Liuchen had been clear of all suspicion, the Emperor would not let him get involved. However, the thing about the table screen was different. Obviously, it was a frame-up that happened before Shao Wanru was injured. Wei Dahai was not simple. Shao Wanru had a hunch that such an unimportant person, who appeared inconspicuous, was related to many events. If Chu Liuchen investigated such a person, he seemed excessively mean and made people feel strange. But if there were a reason, it would be another matter... On the day of the Empress Dowager's birthday, the Palace of Benevolent Peace was permeated with a jubilant atmosphere. There would be a great feast for everyone present in the main hall. It was still early, and no one had come yet. From time to time, those busy imperial servants would go to the Palace to
They walked over cautiously without any noise and stood outside the small tent. "My Lady, if you don't feel well, go to sleep first. I'll wake you up later." The tent wasn't that soundproof, so they could hear Yujie's voice coming from inside. "No, I'm fine!" Shao Wanru said in a very low voice, which could hardly be heard without listening carefully. Yujie hesitated for a moment and said, "My Lady, you know, Great Elder Princess can present the gift on your behalf." Shao Wanru leaned against the couch with a large cloak covering her up. The set of clothes she had chosen before was just right. Although it was in quiet colors, it looked noble and graceful because of the embroidery pattern outlined by gold threads, which was very suitable for her status as Princess Chen. Her black hair was tied up and held in position by merely a hairpin. Her plain face, without any make-up, was still of dazzlin
Outside the tent, Zhang Qilan lowered her head and looked at her toes silently for a long time with a sad look. Luo Xiaowan had never seen her look like this. She hurriedly reached out to pull her and asked in a panic, "Qilan, what's wrong with you?" After leaving the small tent just now, they had arrived at this place, far away from the tent. Thus, they could no longer hear the sounds in the tent, and those in the tent couldn't hear their conversation either. "Xiaowan, do you think Prince Yue likes me?" Zhang Qilan thought for a while and suddenly asked. Luo Xiaowan flushed, subconsciously looking around. When she was sure that no one noticed them, she breathed a sigh of relief. How could Young Madams from aristocratic families like them say something like that? But Zhang Qilan had been her good friend for many years, so she knew that Zhang Qilan was not that strictly upright and correct in behavior. Was i
When Infanta Yuan'an came over, she didn't see Doctor Qiu. She was still wearing a veil, so her countenance couldn't be seen.Ruiping Great Elder Princess didn't come — Infanta Yuan'an came to visit Shao Wanru alone with her servant girl.Ruiping Great Elder Princess had often taken Infanta Yuan'an to the Rui'an Great Elder Princess's Mansion, so Nanny Gao didn't stop her when seeing her coming over. Instead, she stepped aside to let her in.Infanta Yuan'an was quite pleased by this treatment because Nanny Gao, in the name of Rui'an Great Elder Princess, had rejected several imperial consorts who came over together.Upon entering the tent and seeing Shao Wanru's pasty face, Infanta Yuan'an was secretly delighted. Yet, assuming an air of concern, she took two steps forward, sat down on the chair next to Shao Wanru, and asked with concern, "How did you get hurt so badly? Are you all right?""I'm fine. Thanks for y
The Empress Dowager was in the large tent in the middle, and some people with high status originally in the two tents on each side also came over. Some princesses and imperial consorts of high distinction stayed beside the Empress Dowager, chatting with her. From time to time, the Empress Dowager smiled as she heard something particularly funny from a few of them.Some Madams sent a few gifts over. After the Empress Dowager viewed the gifts, they withdrew from the tent.In a hurry, Nanny Gao came in from the outside and whispered something in the Empress Dowager's ear. Then, the Empress Dowager nodded with a smile and said, "Let Princess Chen in!"Nanny Gao nodded and walked out. Some with sharp ears heard the Empress Dowager's words and couldn't help winking at those they knew well. "Is Princess Chen here to deliver the gift in person?"The assassination of Princess Chen caused a mighty uproar. Everyone knew that some peopl
When Shao Wanru returned to the small tent, she was almost exhausted. Going back step by step had used up every ounce of her energy. Finally, she collapsed on the couch feebly and closed her eyes. Rui'an Great Elder Princess covered her gently with a soft cloak and gave Yujie and Qu Le some instructions in a low voice.She carefully told them not to go back in a hurry and let Shao Wanru sleep for a while. If she was in good spirits, she could go back and even come to watch the performance in the afternoon. In any case, she wouldn't have to run around like this.Though this tent was small and was at the back, it was still in the middle. As long as the tent's curtain was lifted, Shao Wanru could see the performance on the high flower platform. There was no need for her to go outside to watch the show."Your Grace, should Her Highness attend the banquet later?" Yujie asked.Rui'an Great Elder Princess shook her head and said, "
"Not yet. My leg just cramped up." Shao Wanru reached out to touch her calf, but her belly was too big to reach it.The Emperor reached out his strong hand and massaged her calf. The young and handsome Emperor breathed a sigh of relief. "Thankfully, you are not going to deliver the baby!"As soon as he said this, Chu Liuchen realized he had said something wrong. He hurriedly explained, "I didn't mean that. It's good that you are not delivering the baby now."After saying that, he realized that something was wrong again and laughed.Shao Wanru laughed so hard that she couldn't speak. Since when did Chu Liuchen, who was as scheming and gloomy as a demon king, could not even speak clearly?"You're still laughing. Did I say anything wrong?" Chu Liuchen glared at her. However, with an elegant smile on his face, he didn't look domineering at all.Shao Wanru continued laughing happily. After a while, she s
Everything in the past had a cause, but this cause was concealed in many mists, so it appeared unreal.After reading the letter in her hand, Shao Wanru put it down with a trace of a smile across the corners of her eyes. She had been relieved of some things. Once she hoped that Qin Huaiyong would treat her like Qin Yuru.This was what she hoped for most in her last life. After all, at that time, she had always thought that she was Qin Huaiyong's biological daughter, and she had no idea that her identity had been seized by Qin Yuru. Right now, Shao Wanru didn't want to mention it again. After the rebirth, she found out the truth and could not be reluctant to get close to Qin Huaiyong anymore.The memories of her last life were fading away, and they become blurred in her eyes.Putting down the memorial in her hand, Shao Wanru smiled with an elegant and calm look in her eyes. "Madam, please pass my gratitude to Ningyuan Army Gen
Shui Ruolan followed the Nanny who led the way ahead and felt uneasy. Since she came to the capital, she occasionally associated with some Madams from aristocratic families. She would not attend their parties unless it was necessary.On the one hand, she always had a weak character. On the other hand, every time she joined them, some Madams always asked about Madam Di intentionally or unintentionally. They were polite to Shui Ruolan on the surface, but they sneered at her behind her back when talking about her.People in the capital thought that Madam Di was Qin Huaiyong's legal wife. Shui Ruolan was a divorced woman. How could she compare with a decent Madam from an aristocratic family? Her status was much lower than Madam Di's. Of course, there were some people who flattered her. They were two-bit nobodies who wanted to curry favor with Qin Huaiyong.This was the first time Shui Ruolan had entered the Palace since she came to the capit
"Yes, Her Highness fainted. Hurry up... Inform His Highness to go to see her. Mingqiu Nun is also there... Hurry up!" Yujie was so excited that she spoke incoherently."Are you stupid?" Xiao Xuanzi looked at Yujie as if she were a fool."Quick! It's true. Believe me." Yujie was overjoyed and kept urging."His Highness will get angry," Xiao Xuanzi reminded Yujie.Yujie blinked her eyes in confusion. "Go quickly. His Highness will be happy.""His Highness will be angry!" Xiao Xuanzi said loudly. He thought that Yujie was out of her mind. What nonsense she was talking about! Xiao Xuanzi had seen with his own eyes how his master treasured Princess Chen. Princess Chen fainted now, but Yujie said that Prince Chen would be happy. What could he be happy for?Xiao Xuanzi felt a chill on his back. He even thought that he might not be safe. Instead, this silly girl was giggling here.Yujie looked
The swing swayed slowly. Shao Wanru sat on it and slightly narrowed her clear eyes in the sun, enjoying the gentle breeze. After a shower, the sky cleared up. Under the blue sky, she felt quite pleasant.It was the third day since the violent political upheaval in the Palace. Everything had returned to the right path, and the Emperor had woken up. The Fake Dead Medicine was remarkably effective.Chu Qing planned to kill the Emperor and shift the blame onto Chu Liuyue. In the end, he occupied the Palace, but at the last moment, Chu Liuchen changed the ultimate outcome.Chu Qing was not the deceased emperor's son. As the truth was exposed, he became a surviving supporter of the previous dynasty.Consort Dowager Qing had an affair with the prince of the previous dynasty on the run and was pregnant. After that, she met the deceased emperor, who had come to wipe out the rebels. She seduced him and entered the Palace. Not long aft
Chu Liuyue looked at the Emperor indifferently. During this period, the Emperor often vomited blood. He was used to such a scene. He fainted again, but so what?He walked up to pull the Emperor up and said, "Father, you'd better write it carefully so as not to cause me more trouble..."The next moment, his hand paused before the Emperor. Abruptly, Chu Liuyue reached out to feel his breath, and his face changed drastically."Your Majesty... Your Majesty..." Derong was terrified and looked at Chu Liuyue. Likewise, he reached out to feel the Emperor's breath and knelt on the ground in a panic. "His Majesty... passed away!"Chu Liuyue looked sullen and reached out to feel his breath again. He found it hard to believe that the Emperor would die of anger because of him. Although he had said he was not afraid of this result, it became more difficult for him to clear up such a messy situation when the Emperor died. Since he was in t
Lights of every palace in the imperial Palace went out at night. There was a great noise somewhere. When the first scream came, many people put on their clothes and lit the lights again.These women in the Palace looked ghastly pale. They wanted to hide elsewhere but couldn't find shelter in the darkness. They trembled and huddled together, not knowing what had happened. Anyway, it didn't sound like a good thing. How could such a lot of awful noise appear in the Palace? The first idea that came to many people was that a rebellion was happening.In the night, Zhaoyi Di hurriedly followed a eunuch carrying a lantern and went to a palace out of use.Chu Liuyue was sitting in the middle of the hall."Greetings, Your Highness!" Zhaoyi Di said."How is it going?" Chu Liuyue asked."Commandery Prince Cheng has taken some people to the Emperor's resting place!" Zhaoyi Di reported."Good, well d
"From the previous dynasty?" Shao Wanru looked up. Though she was surprised, she didn't show it. She had figured it out. But after confirming it, she was wide awake."Will the Empress Dowager be in danger? I'll go to the Palace every day in the next few days!" Shao Wanru suggested."No, it's too dangerous!" Chu Liuchen shook his head."It doesn't matter. I have helpers by my side and bracelets!" Shao Wanru reached out her hand and cutely shook it. There was a pair of glossy sapphire bracelets on her wrist. At a glance, they were not ordinary.Chu Liuchen said with his face darkening, "No!"Such a close-fitting concealed weapon should be the last resort. As long as he thought Shao Wanru would be in such a dangerous situation, he would not be at ease. "Let Qin Yiyan accompany my Imperial Grandmother!""But someone should accompany and protect Noble Consort Lan. If those people deal with her..." Shao W
"Master, there is something wrong with the sandalwood." Qi Jue pulled an incense stick out of the incense burner at hand.Chu Liuchen took it and frowned. "What's the problem?"Qi Jue replied with a serious look, "There is something added to it. If it is used for a long term, one will be mentally and physically exhausted, then lack strength, and spit out blood. If putting another ingredient into the medicine at this time, it is very likely to cause sudden death."On the bed, the Emperor leaned against Noble Consort Lan with a pale face. Just now, he spat out blood again, and he felt very uncomfortable all over.Noble Consort Lan stroked the Emperor hard while looking toward Chu Liuchen with her red eyes, but she did not speak."What was added?" Chu Liuchen asked sternly. He didn't trust the imperial physicians in the Palace, so he brought Qi Jue to the Palace. After entering the Palace, Qi Jue did not check the