Consort Xian was extremely frustrated. As a high-ranking Consort in the imperial harem who had also given birth to the Eldest Prince, hardly anyone dared to disrespect her.
Well, except for the Crown Prince, who didn't give face to anyone in the imperial harem excluding the Empress Dowager and the Emperor himself. Naturally, she fell under the category of "anyone" as well.
Although she secretly wished she could strangle the Crown Prince, she had to maintain the most gentle smile in front of everyone. There was no other choice. After all, she was the birth mother of the Eldest Prince, and countless pairs of eyes in the capital were watching her every move.
Reciting silently in her heart, "I am Consort Xian. I am tolerant and magnanimous. I won't get angry," she repeated these words ten times. Just as she was about to express her affection towards Hua Liuli, she suddenly heard a low exclamation from one of Hua Liuli's maidservants by her side, "Ladies, please refrain from drinking the wine. This servant suspects that it is poisoned."
As soon as these words were spoken, people's faces changed, and someone accidentally dropped their cup.
"Poisoned?!" Prince Ning, who had always been timid, immediately threw the wine flask away. The flask fell onto the dishes, making a crisp sound.
The smile on Consort Xian's face gradually stiffened. She tightly gripped her wine cup and said slowly, emphasizing each word, "What do you mean by that? This wine was brewed by me personally. Are you suggesting that I poisoned Hua Xianzhu?"
"This servant dares not," Yuan Yi knelt down but not showing any weakness and pleaded for forgiveness.
"Your Highness, this maid has been with this lowly lady since childhood. Because this lowly lady was frequently ill, this maid learned some knowledge of medicine from the physician," Hua Liuli stood up from her seat, but due to the abrupt movement, her body swayed. With the support of a palace maid, she barely steadied herself, "This lowly lady's discipline has been lacking, please forgive me, Your Highness."
"You two have a deep bond. Your maid is overly concerned, which leads to chaos. Bengong1"Bengong" is a term commonly used in historical Chinese fiction and dramas. It is a respectful and formal way for a noble or high-ranking woman to refer to herself when speaking in the third person. The term is typically used by imperial consorts, princesses, or noble ladies to denote their status and emphasize their authority or superiority. It is similar to saying "this palace" or "this humble self" in English translations, conveying a sense of regality and dignity. believes that she has no ill intentions," Consort Xian had no other choice but to forgive her. However, in order to prove that she had no intention of harming Hua Liuli, Consort Xian ordered three imperial physicians to be summoned to the palace and asked them to verify that the wine was safe.
Having spent many years in the palace, Consort Xian had witnessed numerous conspiracies. Even if she wanted to harm someone, she wouldn't be foolish enough to do it in her own territory.
The excessive nervousness displayed by the master and servant duo indicated that they held some grudge against her.
The three imperial physicians, upon hearing that there was a suspected poisoning incident in the palace, hurriedly grabbed their tools and rushed to Lincui Palace.
When they arrived, Consort Xian waved her hand to dismiss their formalities, "Please examine the wine in Hua Xianzhu's cup."
"Yes."
As the imperial physicians approached, Consort Xian felt a sense of relief. Once the physicians confirm that her wine was not poisoned and that she had been wrongfully accused, the rumors about her son Hao'er mistreating the Hua siblings would surely be debunked.
"This is..."
"This is Sanxi San, an extremely poisonous substance that causes death by asphyxiation."
Consort Xian trembled, her voice quivered along with her words, "Gentlemen, what do you mean by this?"
At this moment, the three imperial physicians noticed that Consort Xian's gaze had become somewhat abnormal. It seemed that they were not the only ones who had heard the rumors, "There was a poison called Sanxi San in Hua Xianzhu's wine cup. Once consumed, death occurs within three breaths. This kind of poison was passed down from the previous dynasty's imperial harem. Even in the present dynasty, some imperial concubines that have committed severe crimes would be punished to drink this."
How could such a secret palace medicine be present in Consort Xian's palace?
"San... Sanxi San?" Prince Ning, who had already consumed half a cup of wine, covered his throat and his face turned pale, "I... I've already drunk half a cup. Save me, quickly!"
The imperial physicians' expressions changed drastically. Then they said, "No, if Your Highness had consumed Sanxi San before we arrived, likely already..."
He would likely already be dead.
They examined the wine cups of other guests and discovered that besides Hua Xianzhu's cup, none of the others were poisoned.
The officials' expressions became even more subtle. Although they all knew that among all the Princes, besides the Crown Prince, Ying Wang, as the eldest son of the emperor, held the highest honor. However, His Majesty was still in his prime and the Crown Prince was doing well. Consort Xian couldn't wait to get rid of people she didn't like. Isn't this a bit aggressive?
This is the daughter of the Hua family. Her biological father has just made remarkable military achievements that will be recorded in history. How dare you bring her into the palace and attempt to poison her? What courage is this?!
"The poison is not in the wine, but on the cup," One of the imperial physicians put on gloves and had another imperial physician bring a wooden box over. Then they quickly locked the poisoned wine cup in the wooden box.
As an imperial physician, preserving evidence of poisoning was his unquestionable responsibility.
Consort Xian noticed the subtle movements of the imperial physicians: "..."
Upon hearing that the poison was on the cup, countless thoughts surged through Consort Xian's mind, eventually turning into panic, anger, and fear. Who exactly wanted to harm her and her child?!
If Hua Liuli were to die here today, not only would she be finished, but Hao'er would be finished as well. The entire Tian family would be implicated. How could the Hua family, which controlled hundreds of thousands of troops, simply let it go? Entire Great Jin would be affected.
Such a sinister and vicious scheme. She tightly gripped the armrest of the chair, took two deep breaths, and trembled as she spoke, "Someone, seal off the scene and have the Ministry of Justice send people over."
"Also, arrange for someone to report this matter to His Majesty and the Eldest Prince," After saying these words, Consort Xian seemed to have expended much of her strength. Her gaze swept over the people present, seemingly trying to find something suspicious about them.
As the victim, Hua Liuli leaned heavily against a palace maid, looking on the verge of collapse. It was only after hearing Consort Xian instruct someone to report to the Ministry of Justice that she spoke in disbelief, "H-How could someone want to kill me?"
She lowered her head and looked at Yuan Yi kneeling on the ground, gently touching her forehead with her delicate hand, before softly falling down.
"Xianzhu!" Yuan Yi cried out in anguish, catching the collapsing Hua Liuli, "Xianzhu, are you okay?!"
"Quickly, take Xianzhu to the sleeping hall," Consort Xian's heart was hanging in the balance. She saw Hua Liuli fainting and her complexion becoming even paler and more unsightly. Considering that Xianzhu had a weak constitution and was easily frightened, if she fainted here, she might not be able to get up. What would she say to His Majesty?
The crowd carefully escorted Hua Liuli to the bed, and an imperial physician reached out to check her pulse, furrowing his brows even more tightly. "Xianzhu's pulse is chaotic, indicating an underlying condition. Coupled with the shock she experienced, she needs to be gradually treated."
The others present thought that anyone who found themselves circling the gates of the underworld would be shocked.
Poor Hua Xianzhu, she was frightened by the indulgent behavior of the Eldest Prince as soon as she arrived in the capital, and just when she had finally recovered her health, Consort Xian rewarded her with a plum wine and nearly made her drink poisoned wine.
She was already in poor health, struggling to survive, and now she had to face so many unfortunate events. Could it be that Consort Xian and the Eldest Prince were incompatible with her?
"Your Highness," the Fifth Prince walked to Consort Xian, who seemed lost in thought and gently comforted her, "You don't have to worry. Hua Xianzhu will be fine."
Consort Xian forced a smile that looked unpleasant, "Thank you for your kind words."
"Your benevolence is well-known. Hua Xianzhu will surely believe that it is not you who wants to harm her," The Fifth Prince stood outside, looking at the figures coming and going within the curtain of mist, "The Ministry of Justice will definitely uncover the true mastermind."
Consort Xian bitterly smiled. By this point, she understood that this was a conspiracy targeting her and Hao'er.
The Eastern Palace.
The Crown Prince listened expressionlessly as a few officials from the Crown Prince's residence chattered on, absentmindedly sketching a cute little dog on the paper with his brush.
"Your Royal Highness, the officials believe that we should find a way to replace the Prefect of Yongzhou."
"Why? Is this Prefect not doing a good job?" The Crown Prince threw down his brush, took the handkerchief handed over by a palace maid to wipe his hands, and didn't look at the speaking official.
"Your Highness, it's not that he's doing a bad job, but rather, he's doing too well," The official said, "This person is very capable in governing the region. Yongzhou has fertile land and is a good place. However, the Prefect of Yongzhou is from the Fourth Prince's maternal family."
"Father has five sons and three daughters. According to your logic, should I be on guard against any officials associated with the other Princes and Princesses?" The Crown Prince became a little impatient, "In my eyes, a good official is one who benefits the region."
"Your Highness, the Princes and Princesses are watching each other closely. You must not soften your heart..."
"I have never softened my heart," The Crown Prince looked at the official speaking, "But remember, I am the Crown Prince of Great Jin."
"But if the Prefect of Yongzhou wholeheartedly supports the Fourth Prince, it will be detrimental to us."
"Between me and the Fourth Prince, who is stronger?"
"Your Highness is wise and virtuous, far superior to the Fourth Prince."
"As a good official who cares for the people, how could he lack self-awareness?" The Crown Prince said lightly, "If he truly lacks it, then I can only express my regret."
The officials of the Crown Prince's residence fell silent. The corrupt official who received the Crown Prince's expression of "regret" last time met a very tragic end, so tragic that the behavior of the officials in the capital who accepted gifts from subordinates decreased.
They dared not persuade any further, fearing that if they continued, the Crown Prince would express "deep regret" towards them.
"Your Highness," A eunuch from the Eastern Palace hurriedly entered and paused upon seeing the officials from the Crown Prince's residence.
The Crown Prince waved his hand, asking the officials to leave.
"Speak. What happened?"
"Somebody poisoned a wine cup at Consort Xian's Lincui Palace, Hua Xianzhu was almost killed."
The Crown Prince's eyelids twitched slightly. "Is Hua Xianzhu alright?"
"Fortunately, the maid standing by Hua Xianzhu's side has some medical knowledge and noticed something amiss. Hua Xianzhu narrowly escaped. She is resting in Lincui Palace."
"Let's go. Let's go to Lincui Palace," The Crown Prince placed his hands behind his back and walked out of the hall.
By the time the Crown Prince arrived at Lincui Palace, the officials from the Ministry of Justice had already arrived. The guests who attended the plum blossom appreciation feast had not yet left.
Ignoring the people who saluted him, the Crown Prince walked up to Consort Xian, whose face was pale, "Your Highness, how is Hua Xianzhu?"
With such a significant incident happening, Consort Xian was already exhausted, but she had to maintain her composure in front of the Crown Prince, "Please rest assured, Your Royal Highness. After taking the medicine, Xianzhu fell asleep."
"En," The Crown Prince nodded slightly, "Are you certain that the medicine given to Hua Xianzhu earlier had no issues?"
Consort Xian: "..."
What did he mean by that? Who was he insulting?
Consort Xian was very angry, but she still had to force a smile.
"Please rest assured, Your Highness. The medicine is fine."
"That's good then," The Crown Prince clapped his hands, and a few palace maids and eunuchs carried a well-wrapped Hua Liuli and placed her on a soft couch.
"Where is the Crown Prince taking Hua Xianzhu?" Consort Xian was afraid that if Hua Liuli died inexplicably, she wouldn't be able to explain it even if she had a hundred mouths. She quickly stopped the Crown Prince, "The imperial physician said that Hua Xianzhu has a weak body and should not be moved easily."
"Your Highness, are you certain that you want Hua Xianzhu to stay in Lincui Palace?" The Crown Prince slightly lowered his eyelids. He showed no expression, but it felt as if there was a hint of mockery.
Consort Xian: "..."
She dared not be certain. She was currently in a state of fear that anyone in the world could harm her.
Ha.
The Crown Prince withdrew his gaze from Consort Xian.
If someone's intellect was lacking, it was likely hereditary. If his Eldest Brother continued to act foolish like his mother, he would try to say fewer things to him.
They were all brothers, after all, showing sympathy was still necessary.
Krish728
Author's Note:
Consort Xian: Insult my son's intelligence if you want, but don't insult me, who has participated in the palace struggle!
Consort Xian was extremely frustrated. As a high-ranking Consort in the imperial harem who had also given birth to the Eldest Prince, hardly anyone dared to disrespect her.
Well, except for the Crown Prince, who didn't give face to anyone in the imperial harem excluding the Empress Dowager and the Emperor himself. Naturally, she fell under the category of "anyone" as well.
Although she secretly wished she could strangle the Crown Prince, she had to maintain the most gentle smile in front of everyone. There was no other choice. After all, she was the birth mother of the Eldest Prince, and countless pairs of eyes in the capital were watching her every move.
Reciting silently in her heart, "I am Consort Xian. I am tolerant and magnanimous. I won't get angry," she repeated these words ten times. Just as she was about to express her affection towards Hua Liuli, she suddenly heard a low exclamation from one of Hua Liuli's maidservants by her side, "Ladies, please refrain from drinking the wine. This servant suspects that it is poisoned."
As soon as these words were spoken, people's faces changed, and someone accidentally dropped their cup.
"Poisoned?!" Prince Ning, who had always been timid, immediately threw the wine flask away. The flask fell onto the dishes, making a crisp sound.
The smile on Consort Xian's face gradually stiffened. She tightly gripped her wine cup and said slowly, emphasizing each word, "What do you mean by that? This wine was brewed by me personally. Are you suggesting that I poisoned Hua Xianzhu?"
"This servant dares not," Yuan Yi knelt down but not showing any weakness and pleaded for forgiveness.
"Your Highness, this maid has been with this lowly lady since childhood. Because this lowly lady was frequently ill, this maid learned some knowledge of medicine from the physician," Hua Liuli stood up from her seat, but due to the abrupt movement, her body swayed. With the support of a palace maid, she barely steadied herself, "This lowly lady's discipline has been lacking, please forgive me, Your Highness."
"You two have a deep bond. Your maid is overly concerned, which leads to chaos. Bengong1"Bengong" is a term commonly used in historical Chinese fiction and dramas. It is a respectful and formal way for a noble or high-ranking woman to refer to herself when speaking in the third person. The term is typically used by imperial consorts, princesses, or noble ladies to denote their status and emphasize their authority or superiority. It is similar to saying "this palace" or "this humble self" in English translations, conveying a sense of regality and dignity. believes that she has no ill intentions," Consort Xian had no other choice but to forgive her. However, in order to prove that she had no intention of harming Hua Liuli, Consort Xian ordered three imperial physicians to be summoned to the palace and asked them to verify that the wine was safe.
Having spent many years in the palace, Consort Xian had witnessed numerous conspiracies. Even if she wanted to harm someone, she wouldn't be foolish enough to do it in her own territory.
The excessive nervousness displayed by the master and servant duo indicated that they held some grudge against her.
The three imperial physicians, upon hearing that there was a suspected poisoning incident in the palace, hurriedly grabbed their tools and rushed to Lincui Palace.
When they arrived, Consort Xian waved her hand to dismiss their formalities, "Please examine the wine in Hua Xianzhu's cup."
"Yes."
As the imperial physicians approached, Consort Xian felt a sense of relief. Once the physicians confirm that her wine was not poisoned and that she had been wrongfully accused, the rumors about her son Hao'er mistreating the Hua siblings would surely be debunked.
"This is..."
"This is Sanxi San, an extremely poisonous substance that causes death by asphyxiation."
Consort Xian trembled, her voice quivered along with her words, "Gentlemen, what do you mean by this?"
At this moment, the three imperial physicians noticed that Consort Xian's gaze had become somewhat abnormal. It seemed that they were not the only ones who had heard the rumors, "There was a poison called Sanxi San in Hua Xianzhu's wine cup. Once consumed, death occurs within three breaths. This kind of poison was passed down from the previous dynasty's imperial harem. Even in the present dynasty, some imperial concubines that have committed severe crimes would be punished to drink this."
How could such a secret palace medicine be present in Consort Xian's palace?
"San... Sanxi San?" Prince Ning, who had already consumed half a cup of wine, covered his throat and his face turned pale, "I... I've already drunk half a cup. Save me, quickly!"
The imperial physicians' expressions changed drastically. Then they said, "No, if Your Highness had consumed Sanxi San before we arrived, likely already..."
He would likely already be dead.
They examined the wine cups of other guests and discovered that besides Hua Xianzhu's cup, none of the others were poisoned.
The officials' expressions became even more subtle. Although they all knew that among all the Princes, besides the Crown Prince, Ying Wang, as the eldest son of the emperor, held the highest honor. However, His Majesty was still in his prime and the Crown Prince was doing well. Consort Xian couldn't wait to get rid of people she didn't like. Isn't this a bit aggressive?
This is the daughter of the Hua family. Her biological father has just made remarkable military achievements that will be recorded in history. How dare you bring her into the palace and attempt to poison her? What courage is this?!
"The poison is not in the wine, but on the cup," One of the imperial physicians put on gloves and had another imperial physician bring a wooden box over. Then they quickly locked the poisoned wine cup in the wooden box.
As an imperial physician, preserving evidence of poisoning was his unquestionable responsibility.
Consort Xian noticed the subtle movements of the imperial physicians: "..."
Upon hearing that the poison was on the cup, countless thoughts surged through Consort Xian's mind, eventually turning into panic, anger, and fear. Who exactly wanted to harm her and her child?!
If Hua Liuli were to die here today, not only would she be finished, but Hao'er would be finished as well. The entire Tian family would be implicated. How could the Hua family, which controlled hundreds of thousands of troops, simply let it go? Entire Great Jin would be affected.
Such a sinister and vicious scheme. She tightly gripped the armrest of the chair, took two deep breaths, and trembled as she spoke, "Someone, seal off the scene and have the Ministry of Justice send people over."
"Also, arrange for someone to report this matter to His Majesty and the Eldest Prince," After saying these words, Consort Xian seemed to have expended much of her strength. Her gaze swept over the people present, seemingly trying to find something suspicious about them.
As the victim, Hua Liuli leaned heavily against a palace maid, looking on the verge of collapse. It was only after hearing Consort Xian instruct someone to report to the Ministry of Justice that she spoke in disbelief, "H-How could someone want to kill me?"
She lowered her head and looked at Yuan Yi kneeling on the ground, gently touching her forehead with her delicate hand, before softly falling down.
"Xianzhu!" Yuan Yi cried out in anguish, catching the collapsing Hua Liuli, "Xianzhu, are you okay?!"
"Quickly, take Xianzhu to the sleeping hall," Consort Xian's heart was hanging in the balance. She saw Hua Liuli fainting and her complexion becoming even paler and more unsightly. Considering that Xianzhu had a weak constitution and was easily frightened, if she fainted here, she might not be able to get up. What would she say to His Majesty?
The crowd carefully escorted Hua Liuli to the bed, and an imperial physician reached out to check her pulse, furrowing his brows even more tightly. "Xianzhu's pulse is chaotic, indicating an underlying condition. Coupled with the shock she experienced, she needs to be gradually treated."
The others present thought that anyone who found themselves circling the gates of the underworld would be shocked.
Poor Hua Xianzhu, she was frightened by the indulgent behavior of the Eldest Prince as soon as she arrived in the capital, and just when she had finally recovered her health, Consort Xian rewarded her with a plum wine and nearly made her drink poisoned wine.
She was already in poor health, struggling to survive, and now she had to face so many unfortunate events. Could it be that Consort Xian and the Eldest Prince were incompatible with her?
"Your Highness," the Fifth Prince walked to Consort Xian, who seemed lost in thought and gently comforted her, "You don't have to worry. Hua Xianzhu will be fine."
Consort Xian forced a smile that looked unpleasant, "Thank you for your kind words."
"Your benevolence is well-known. Hua Xianzhu will surely believe that it is not you who wants to harm her," The Fifth Prince stood outside, looking at the figures coming and going within the curtain of mist, "The Ministry of Justice will definitely uncover the true mastermind."
Consort Xian bitterly smiled. By this point, she understood that this was a conspiracy targeting her and Hao'er.
The Eastern Palace.
The Crown Prince listened expressionlessly as a few officials from the Crown Prince's residence chattered on, absentmindedly sketching a cute little dog on the paper with his brush.
"Your Royal Highness, the officials believe that we should find a way to replace the Prefect of Yongzhou."
"Why? Is this Prefect not doing a good job?" The Crown Prince threw down his brush, took the handkerchief handed over by a palace maid to wipe his hands, and didn't look at the speaking official.
"Your Highness, it's not that he's doing a bad job, but rather, he's doing too well," The official said, "This person is very capable in governing the region. Yongzhou has fertile land and is a good place. However, the Prefect of Yongzhou is from the Fourth Prince's maternal family."
"Father has five sons and three daughters. According to your logic, should I be on guard against any officials associated with the other Princes and Princesses?" The Crown Prince became a little impatient, "In my eyes, a good official is one who benefits the region."
"Your Highness, the Princes and Princesses are watching each other closely. You must not soften your heart..."
"I have never softened my heart," The Crown Prince looked at the official speaking, "But remember, I am the Crown Prince of Great Jin."
"But if the Prefect of Yongzhou wholeheartedly supports the Fourth Prince, it will be detrimental to us."
"Between me and the Fourth Prince, who is stronger?"
"Your Highness is wise and virtuous, far superior to the Fourth Prince."
"As a good official who cares for the people, how could he lack self-awareness?" The Crown Prince said lightly, "If he truly lacks it, then I can only express my regret."
The officials of the Crown Prince's residence fell silent. The corrupt official who received the Crown Prince's expression of "regret" last time met a very tragic end, so tragic that the behavior of the officials in the capital who accepted gifts from subordinates decreased.
They dared not persuade any further, fearing that if they continued, the Crown Prince would express "deep regret" towards them.
"Your Highness," A eunuch from the Eastern Palace hurriedly entered and paused upon seeing the officials from the Crown Prince's residence.
The Crown Prince waved his hand, asking the officials to leave.
"Speak. What happened?"
"Somebody poisoned a wine cup at Consort Xian's Lincui Palace, Hua Xianzhu was almost killed."
The Crown Prince's eyelids twitched slightly. "Is Hua Xianzhu alright?"
"Fortunately, the maid standing by Hua Xianzhu's side has some medical knowledge and noticed something amiss. Hua Xianzhu narrowly escaped. She is resting in Lincui Palace."
"Let's go. Let's go to Lincui Palace," The Crown Prince placed his hands behind his back and walked out of the hall.
By the time the Crown Prince arrived at Lincui Palace, the officials from the Ministry of Justice had already arrived. The guests who attended the plum blossom appreciation feast had not yet left.
Ignoring the people who saluted him, the Crown Prince walked up to Consort Xian, whose face was pale, "Your Highness, how is Hua Xianzhu?"
With such a significant incident happening, Consort Xian was already exhausted, but she had to maintain her composure in front of the Crown Prince, "Please rest assured, Your Royal Highness. After taking the medicine, Xianzhu fell asleep."
"En," The Crown Prince nodded slightly, "Are you certain that the medicine given to Hua Xianzhu earlier had no issues?"
Consort Xian: "..."
What did he mean by that? Who was he insulting?
Consort Xian was very angry, but she still had to force a smile.
"Please rest assured, Your Highness. The medicine is fine."
"That's good then," The Crown Prince clapped his hands, and a few palace maids and eunuchs carried a well-wrapped Hua Liuli and placed her on a soft couch.
"Where is the Crown Prince taking Hua Xianzhu?" Consort Xian was afraid that if Hua Liuli died inexplicably, she wouldn't be able to explain it even if she had a hundred mouths. She quickly stopped the Crown Prince, "The imperial physician said that Hua Xianzhu has a weak body and should not be moved easily."
"Your Highness, are you certain that you want Hua Xianzhu to stay in Lincui Palace?" The Crown Prince slightly lowered his eyelids. He showed no expression, but it felt as if there was a hint of mockery.
Consort Xian: "..."
She dared not be certain. She was currently in a state of fear that anyone in the world could harm her.
Ha.
The Crown Prince withdrew his gaze from Consort Xian.
If someone's intellect was lacking, it was likely hereditary. If his Eldest Brother continued to act foolish like his mother, he would try to say fewer things to him.
They were all brothers, after all, showing sympathy was still necessary.
Krish728
Author's Note:
Consort Xian: Insult my son's intelligence if you want, but don't insult me, who has participated in the palace struggle!
