in2ebook Chapter 320: The palace is in turmoil, and the will is hard to break
Chapter 320: The palace is in turmoil, and the will is hard to break
Zhen Huan's eyes were solemn. "The Emperor has been in poor health recently, but the Imperial Hospital can't find any clues. This is really suspicious."
An Lingrong whispered, "Huan'er, could someone have secretly poisoned us? I've heard of a chronic poison whose symptoms are subtle and difficult to detect."
Concubine Hua frowned: "If that's true, who in the harem has such courage?"
Zhen Huan pondered for a moment. "No matter who it is, the most urgent thing is to save the emperor. Lingrong, you are quite proficient in spices and pharmacology. Do you have any ideas?"
An Lingrong shook her head. "I need to check the emperor's diet and daily records first, and then analyze the symptoms before I can confirm it. However, I must not let others know about this process, so as not to alert the enemy."
Hua Fei said: "Leave this matter to me. I will quietly arrange for someone reliable to handle it."
A few days later, An Lingrong looked at the records sent to her, her brows furrowed ever more tightly. "Huan'er, there's nothing unusual about the Emperor's daily diet, but the records of his spice usage are a bit strange. There's a spice from the Western Regions that's used in small quantities, but it frequently appears in the Emperor's bedroom."
Zhen Huan wondered, "What's wrong with this spice?"
An Lingrong said, "This spice is harmless when used alone, but if mixed with certain herbs, it will produce toxins that will slowly erode the body."
Hua Fei angrily asked, "Then who is responsible for mixing these spices?"
After checking, An Lingrong's face changed: "It's Baoque, she is the palace maid beside the Queen, could it be..."
Zhen Huan said calmly, "Don't jump to conclusions. Perhaps Bao Que is also being used by someone. Let's ask her first."
Baoque was brought there and trembled with fear.
Zhen Huan said gently, "Bao Que, don't be afraid. As long as you tell me the truth about the spices, I won't make things difficult for you."
Bao Que cried, "Your Majesty, I really didn't know there was something wrong with this spice. I just followed the Empress's instructions. She said the Emperor liked this scent and asked me to mix it."
An Lingrong asked, "Are you sure the Empress only asked you to mix the spices and didn't give any other instructions?"
Bao Que nodded: "I am sure. Your Majesty, I would never dare to lie."
Zhen Huan and An Lingrong exchanged a glance, and Zhen Huan said, "You go first. It seems there's something else behind this. We have to start our investigation with the Queen."
Hua Fei snorted, "The Queen is always cunning and calculating. It won't be easy to find evidence from her."
An Lingrong said, "We can start with the other people around the Queen. Perhaps we can find some clues. For example, her personal lady-in-waiting, Jianqiu."
So they began to pay attention to Jianqiu's every move.
One day, Chun'er came to tell them, "Sisters, I saw Jianqiu sneaking into a secluded corner of the Imperial Garden and chatting with a young eunuch. I don't think I've ever seen that young eunuch before."
Zhen Huan said, "Let's go and take a look."
They followed quietly and heard Jianqiu say, "How's it going? We can't let the spice be discovered."
The young eunuch said, "Don't worry, auntie. Everything is going according to plan. It's just that the ladies seem to be suspicious lately. We have to be careful."
Concubine Hua couldn't help but rush out: "Humph! How dare you! How dare you murder the emperor!"
Jianqiu and the young eunuch saw that the situation was not good and turned around and ran.
Zhen Huan shouted, "Chase them! We can't let them get away!"
After a chase in the palace, everyone finally caught Jianqiu and the young eunuch.
Zhen Huan said sternly, "Jianqiu, why did you plot to murder the Emperor? Was it the Empress who ordered you to do so?"
Jianqiu gnashed her teeth and said, "Zhen Huan, don't be so complacent. This harem will belong to the Empress sooner or later. You all must die!"
An Lingrong said, "You're still being stubborn! Hand them over to the Emperor and see if they dare to act so arrogantly again."
After handling the matter, Zhen Huan said to An Lingrong: "Lingrong, the fighting in the harem is becoming more and more dangerous. We must be more careful."
An Lingrong nodded: "Huan'er, as long as we are together, there is nothing to be afraid of."
Hua Fei said: "That's right! With us here, the harem will never be overturned! We must continue to work hard towards the position of the harem master and cannot let those villains succeed!"
Zhen Huan, An Lingrong and Hua Fei worked together to overcome dangers in the palace disputes, stayed true to their original aspirations, and strived for the honorable position, continuing the legend.