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墨書 Inktalez
I presented the records of the abnormal consumption of medicinal herbs from Supreme Pharmacy and summoned the gambling-addicted eunuch. Under my pressing questions and subtle hints, the eunuch's psychological defenses crumbled. Although he dared not directly implicate Consort Shu, he admitted to being instructed to steal hallucinogenic herbs and provide them to certain "needy individuals."
Finally, I turned to the so-called Witnesses. "Esteemed officials and eunuchs, do you still remember clearly what you saw and heard that day? Before that, did you happen to catch a whiff of any peculiar fragrance? Or perhaps... did you consume any ' Calming Spirit' soup?"
The Witnesses, already feeling guilty, panicked at my question. Seeing the Aroma Pouch and the eunuch's fate, they quickly changed their statements, claiming they were in a daze at the time and couldn't recall clearly, or that they had been misled.
The situation reversed in an instant!
Left Chancellor Lin Yuan's face turned ashen, yet he could not refute my claims. While Consort Shu was not directly convicted, her reputation was severely tarnished, and her authority diminished.
Xiao Jingyuan looked at me with a complex expression. He ultimately issued an edict rebuking Consort Shu for her poor management of her servants, imposing a one-year salary reduction and a three-month house arrest. He stripped her of her position as Assistant. The eunuch and several key Witnesses faced severe punishment. As for me, due to my success in uncovering the truth, I was promoted to "Pin" and granted the title "Hui," meaning wise and discerning.
I had finally won a precarious round in this life-and-death game. Not only had I saved myself, but I had also elevated my status and dealt a blow to Consort Shu's arrogance.
But I knew this was far from over. Consort Shu's hatred would only deepen. I had fully stepped into the core of this palace intrigue, with no way to retreat.
Volume Four: The Emperor's Heart is Hard to Gauge
Having been promoted to concubine Hui, my position in the palace became much more stable. Qing Zhi Pavilion was no longer a secluded corner; it had become a place that everyone eyed with interest. Visitors came in droves, eager to curry favor. I understood how much sincerity there was among them and how much was mere pretense.
During Consort Shu's house arrest, the palace temporarily returned to a semblance of peace. The Empress remained ill, her power diminished. The Emperor seemed intent on training me, delegating some palace affairs for me to assist with. I handled everything methodically, neither overstepping my bounds nor failing to demonstrate my capabilities, gradually earning recognition from those within the palace.
My relationship with Xiao Jingyuan also grew more intricate. He visited Qing Zhi Pavilion more frequently. We no longer discussed only medicine and state affairs; sometimes he would dismiss his attendants and chat with me about everyday matters, even revealing some vulnerabilities typical of an ordinary man.
I knew this was another side of the emperor. He needed someone with whom he could confide and relax. And through my previous display of "wisdom" and "non-contention," I seemed to have become that suitable person.
Yet I remained vigilant and clear-headed. Serving alongside the emperor was like accompanying a tiger; his heart was as deep as the ocean. His favor could be genuine affection or a calculated move—or even a means to destroy me. I dared not indulge in it nor take it for granted.
I continued to seize every opportunity to investigate my father's case. With my rising status, I gained access to more documents and information. I discovered that the so-called "Witchcraft" evidence from years ago was quite suspicious; it seemed meticulously designed to frame someone. Moreover, one key Witness, shortly after testifying, met with an "accidental" death. All signs indicated that there must be a larger conspiracy behind my father's case.
Just as I was getting closer to the truth, Consort Shu's house arrest came to an end.
The newly freed Consort Shu appeared much subdued. She no longer acted with her previous arrogance; instead, she adopted a low-key demeanor and even took the initiative to ingratiate herself with both the Empress and me.
I recognized this as an even more dangerous signal. A patient snake is far more terrifying than a ferocious beast displaying its fangs.
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