nashuaworldcup Chapter 269: The Palace is Locked in a Trap
Chapter 269: The Palace is Locked in a Trap
After Zhen Huan returned to the palace, she looked solemn: "Although Concubine Kang has confessed, the Queen is cunning and scheming. We can't believe everything she says. We need to be more cautious."
An Lingrong bit her lip lightly. "Huan'er, I'm always worried that our plan will be discovered by the Queen and we'll fall into her trap."
Concubine Hua disagreed: "Humph! Even if it's a trap, I'm not afraid! If an enemy comes, I'll fight him; if a flood comes, I'll block it with earth."
Zhen Huan shook her head slightly. "Sister, it's better to be cautious. I've asked Jinxi to fetch Imperial Physician Wen to see if he can find any clues from that package of so-called 'forbidden spices.' If we can truly know the ingredients, perhaps we can find a countermeasure and determine whether Concubine Kang is telling the truth."
Not long after, Imperial Physician Wen arrived and, after bowing, said, "Your Majesty the Imperial Concubine Xi, Your Majesty the Imperial Concubine An has summoned me. What is the matter?"
Zhen Huan gestured to the maid to hand the package to Doctor Wen. "Doctor Wen, this package came from a suspicious source. I heard it contains prohibited spices. Take a look. What exactly is this?"
Doctor Wen took the package, examined it carefully, and sniffed it, frowning. "Your Majesty, the spices in this may appear ordinary, but they are actually a mixture of several special spices. If used individually, they are harmless, but once mixed, under certain circumstances, they will emit an odor that can cause hallucinations. While not fatal, it can easily cause people to lose control of their behavior. If used in large quantities in the palace, it will definitely cause chaos. However, the production process of this spice is extremely complex, and it is not something that ordinary people can mix."
An Lingrong's heart skipped a beat. "Doctor Wen, are you saying that there must be someone skilled in making incense behind these spices?"
Doctor Wen nodded. "Noble Consort An is very intelligent. I believe that whoever could create this incense must be extremely knowledgeable about spices."
Zhen Huan and An Lingrong looked at each other and both thought of Jianqiu, who was by the Queen's side. She had shown her knowledge of spices on some occasions.
Concubine Hua said, "So what? As long as we can find evidence against Concubine Kang, who knows if she won't betray the Empress and Jianqiu?"
Zhen Huan pondered, "Sister, it's not that simple. If the Queen really wanted to frame us, she wouldn't just leave Concubine Kang here as a clue. We have to think long-term and try to stabilize Concubine Kang first."
Zhen Huan then summoned Concubine Kang again and said, "Concubine Kang, I have already checked the contents of that package. Do you know that if this spice is discovered, it will be a crime of extermination of the entire clan?"
Kang Changzai turned pale with fear: "Your Majesty, I am really just following orders. The Empress said that this spice will not kill anyone. She just wants to embarrass Your Majesty."
Zhen Huan said sternly, "Do you think I will believe you? If you want to live, do as I say. Go tell the Queen that I have discovered the spices, but I don't know who did it. See how she reacts."
Kang Changzai nodded repeatedly: "Yes, Your Majesty, I will go right away."
After Kang Changzai left, Concubine Hua asked, "Huan'er, what do you mean? Why did you tell the Queen that we've found the spices?"
Zhen Huan said, "Sister, I just want the Queen to think we've fallen into a trap. She'll definitely take action, and we can seize the opportunity to catch her fox tail."
An Lingrong said, "Huan'er, this plan is brilliant, but we must be careful and guard against the Queen's retaliation."
On the other side, Kang Changzai came to the Queen's palace and told the Queen what Zhen Huan said.
The Queen sneered, "Hmph! Do they think they can defeat me like this? Jianqiu, go and make some arrangements. Have the person spying around the spice shop deliberately reveal their whereabouts, so as to lure Zhen Huan and the others into tracking them down. Then, I will have a way to bring them to ruin."
Jianqiu took the order and left.
On Zhen Huan's side, she arranged for Xiao Yunzi and others to secretly keep an eye on Concubine Kang. After seeing her coming out of the Queen's Palace, they quietly followed Jianqiu.
Jianqiu went to the Imperial Household Department and spoke to the clerk for a few words, and the clerk hurried away. Xiao Yunzi returned to report to Zhen Huan, "Your Majesty, the clerk seems to be leaving the palace. He seems to have something urgent to do."
Zhen Huan thought for a moment and said, "Xiao Yunzi, take a few people with you and follow that minor official to see where he goes and who he meets. Be sure not to alert the enemy."
Xiao Yunzi took the order and left.
Zhen Huan said to An Lingrong and Concubine Hua, "It seems the Queen wants to lead us to track down that petty official. We should hold our ground for now and wait for news of Little Yunzi."
An Lingrong said, "Huan'er, I always feel that there is a bigger conspiracy behind this. The spice incident may just be the beginning."
Hua Fei said: "No matter what conspiracy it is, as long as I am here, I will not let the Queen succeed."
A few days later, Xiao Yunzi returned to the palace and reported: "Your Majesty, the clerk went to a manor outside the capital and met a mysterious man. The mysterious man gave him a box, and the clerk hurried back to the palace."
Zhen Huan asked, "Do you know who that mysterious person is?"
Xiao Yunzi shook his head: "The mysterious man had his face covered, so I couldn't see him. However, I heard the clerk call him 'Sir'."
Zhen Huan said, "It seems that there are people from the court involved in this matter, which makes it even more complicated."
An Lingrong asked, "Huan'er, what should we do?"
Zhen Huan said, "First, capture that petty official and interrogate him. Perhaps we can get some clues from him."
Hua Fei immediately said, "I will arrange for someone right away."
Concubine Hua brought her guards to capture the clerk, who was trembling with fear.
Zhen Huan asked, "If you tell the truth, I might spare your life. Who was that mysterious man you went to see? And what was in that box?"
The clerk stammered, "My Lady, I dare not tell you. If I tell you, my whole family will be killed."
Hua Fei scolded: "If you don't tell me, I will kill you right now!"
The clerk hesitated again and again: "Your Majesty, the mysterious man is Lord Li from the court. I don't know what's in the box, but I know it's something the Empress asked for."
Zhen Huan was shocked: "It's Lord Li again. What are he and the Queen planning?"
An Lingrong said, "Huan'er, Lord Li is quite powerful in the court. It won't be easy for us to deal with him."
Zhen Huan said, "No matter what, let's report this to the Emperor and see how he handles it."
So, Zhen Huan, An Lingrong and Hua Fei went to the Yangxin Palace together and told the emperor the whole story.
Upon hearing this, the Emperor's face darkened. "I never thought the Empress would remain restless even during her confinement, colluding with court officials in an attempt to disrupt the harem. I will investigate this matter thoroughly. If it is true, I will show no mercy."
Zhen Huan and the others thanked the emperor: "Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty. We only hope that the harem can be peaceful and not be harmed by treacherous people."
After leaving the Yangxin Palace, Zhen Huan said, "Although the Emperor has made the decision, we cannot let our guard down. The Empress and Lord Li will not give up. They will definitely have more tricks up their sleeves."
An Lingrong said, "Huan'er, let's discuss countermeasures after we return. No matter what, we must protect each other and the peace of this harem."
Hua Fei said: "Yes! I want to see what other tricks they can come up with!"