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墨書 Inktalez
"Shen Wei Lan, this is none of your business. Step aside!" The Head Maid beside the Empress spoke sharply.
"Your Majesty, Consort," I ignored her and continued to gaze at the Emperor and Empress seated above. "There are many doubts surrounding this matter. Yan Yu and I have known each other since childhood; I know her character well, and she would never have the courage or motive to commit such a heinous act. Moreover, if it were truly a curse, why use such an obvious silver needle? And why leave it in the lining where it could be easily discovered? This seems more like a setup!"
Consort Shu sneered, "Shen Head Maid certainly knows how to exonerate others. Could it be that you are involved in this as well?"
"Consort Shu, mind your words!" I straightened my back and met her gaze. "I am merely stating the facts. To uncover the truth, we cannot rely solely on one side's testimony. Please allow me some time, Your Majesty; I may be able to find the flaws."
Xiao Jingyuan looked at me with sharp eyes. "How do you plan to investigate?"
"I request permission to examine the silver needle and the hands of all the palace maids involved in making the cloak," I replied.
The Emperor pondered for a moment before nodding slightly. "Granted."
I approached the evidence and picked up the silver needle for a closer inspection. It appeared ordinary, but the incantation etched on it was quite subtle. I then checked the hands of each maid who had participated in its creation. Their fingers bore thin calluses from long hours of sewing, and some had small marks from needle pricks.
When I examined one maid named Chun Tao, I noticed that while her fingertips also had calluses, there was an inconspicuous fresh scratch on her thumb that resembled the sharp edge of the needle's tail. Furthermore, her eyes flickered nervously, avoiding my gaze.
I formulated a plan and reported back to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, I have found some clues. Please allow me to question this maid alone."
In a side chamber, faced with my questioning and evidence, Chun Tao quickly broke down. She confessed that a high-ranking eunuch from Consort Shu's quarters had threatened her family’s lives, forcing her to place the silver needle in the cloak and frame Yan Yu.
The truth was revealed. Although Chun Tao did not dare directly accuse Consort Shu, the direction of suspicion was clear.
Xiao Jingyuan's face turned ashen. He did not immediately deal with Consort Shu, as it involved past dynasties and princes which required careful consideration. However, he ordered severe punishment for Chun Tao and that eunuch while clearing Yan Yu of suspicion and rewarding her for her fright.
Afterward, Yan Yu clung to me in tears. "Wei Lan, thank you! If it weren't for you..."
I patted her back gently and said softly, "We are sisters; there's no need for thanks. But remember, this time you escaped by luck; next time may not be so fortunate. The palace is filled with treachery; you must be more cautious."
Yan Yu nodded through her tears.
As for me, having stood up this time put me once again at the center of attention. Consort Shu viewed me as a thorn in her side, and others in the harem began to reassess me—the seemingly harmless Female Physician.
Xiao Jingyuan summoned me again. This time he did not discuss medicine but looked at me and asked a question that caught me off guard: "Wei Lan, what do you want?"
I was taken aback. In this deep palace where everyone had their desires—seeking favor, power, offspring, or family glory—what did I want?
I knelt down and lowered my head. "I dare not ask for anything. I only wish to use my skills to ensure peace in the palace and relieve Your Majesty's burdens."
He smiled, a hint of sighing in his laughter. "What a 'daring not to ask.' But do you know that in this palace, being desireless can sometimes be more dangerous than being ambitious?"
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