The concubine is extremely cautious

Chapter 207: Hoping for Ning's Return

Wu Mi from the Criminal Justice Department rushed to Yaoyue Pond as soon as possible.

Xu Zhaoyi's body had been fished out, and after inspection, there were no external injuries on her body, nor any signs of poisoning.

The accompanying maid knelt on the ground and cried:

"I accompanied my master to Biluoxuan to pay my respects to Concubine Yao. The palace servants said that Concubine Yao was not there. My master was in a low mood and said that he wanted to go to Yuechi to relax."

"Since the weather was cold, I went back to the palace to get a cloak. But when I came back, the master had already... Woo woo woo, why did you leave like this..."

Wu Mi inquired sharply, "Why did Xu Zhaoyi look for Yao Jieyu?"

"The master's father is in prison. The master is worried about his father and has been unable to sleep or eat these days. The master went to see Concubine Yao because... because..." The maid hesitated.

Wu Mi said coldly, "If you don't tell the truth, I will torture you."

"Eunuch Wu, please spare my life! I have confessed everything! The master wants to ask Concubine Yao to show leniency and let her go..." the maid reported tremblingly.

The grudge between Concubine Xu and Concubine Yao was explained clearly.

Qianxin Palace.

Wu Mi reported:

"Xu Zhaoyi had no external injuries. She may have fallen into the water accidentally or voluntarily, or she may have been pushed into the lake. After investigation, I found that Xu Zhaoyi's father was imprisoned for dereliction of duty a few days ago. Xu Zhaoyi wanted to visit Yao Jieyu many times and ask her to show some mercy."

"She went to Yaoyue Pond today to relax after failing to meet Yaojie Yu. Two palace maids passing by testified that when they passed by Yaoyue Pond, they indeed saw Yaojie Yu sitting by the pond crying."

"Also, the testimonies of the palace servants who served Concubine Xu are consistent. Concubine Xu has been very anxious recently and wants to ask Concubine Yao for mercy."

Although Wu Mi did not say who did it.

But a lot of evidence points to two possibilities.

First, Concubine Yao sent someone to push Concubine Xu into the lake when she wasn't paying attention.

Second, Xu Zhaoyi committed suicide to atone for her crime in order to prevent her family from being implicated.

Regardless of the possibility, Xu Zhaoyi's death is closely related to Concubine Yao.

Helian Qi had no expression on his face, but his eyes were icy cold.

The Yao family is really powerful.

And what does the Yao family rely on? The Wen family.

The poor people whom he promoted in order to suppress the powerful and wealthy have now become the new powerful and wealthy.

Helian Qi had no intention of getting rid of the Xue and Cen families from the beginning, because he had already foreseen that powerful officials would not disappear, but would only be replaced.

Therefore, it is crucial to have someone in the harem who can suppress the major families.

Helian Qi lowered his eyes and glanced at the lotus sachet hanging around his waist.

Four years ago and four years later, she was the most suitable and satisfactory candidate for him.

Helian Qi retracted his gaze and returned to his usual indifference: "The case is closed as a fall into the water, and the matter ends here."

Wu Mi took the order and withdrew.

……

Yixiu Palace, Haitang Residence.

"Lan Zhaoyi, I really didn't send anyone to kill her? But now rumors are spreading in the palace, saying that I killed her! What should I do if His Majesty misunderstands this?" Concubine Yao looked uneasy.

Originally, she didn't take Xu Zhaoyi seriously.

But now Xu Zhaoyi is dead.

She was the one that everyone was talking about behind her back.

Yao Jieyushi was a little panicked, worried that the emperor would have a grudge against her because of this.

Wen Shutang knew that she had been tricked. Someone deliberately used the death of Concubine Xu to influence the emperor's opinion of the Wen family.

However, the emperor would not depose his trusted ministers just because he was dissatisfied with them.

and so……

The most important thing now is to maintain stability.

It is very common for powerful families to bully others by taking advantage of their power. The most important thing is whether the person in charge can see clearly and whether he is spoiled by his favor.

Her father and brother served well in the previous dynasty, and she should be in charge of the harem well. She should be careful in her words and actions and keep a low profile in recent times.

"Don't worry, Concubine Yao. His Majesty has not held you accountable. These rumors will just be a passing fad and will soon disappear." Wen Shutang looked at her and smiled.

"You should study the palace rules carefully in the near future and cultivate your character. After a while, when this matter has faded, it will naturally pass."

"There will be a plum blossom viewing banquet in the palace in the second half of the month. Why don't you prepare well and write a few poems during the banquet to attract His Majesty's attention?"

After hearing her consolation, Concubine Yao looked much better. "What Concubine Lan said makes sense. Thank you for your advice."

After Concubine Yao left, Wen Shutang seemed to be thinking about something.

She suddenly realized that the difficulty of being in charge does not lie in whether you can host a few public banquets beautifully.

It depends on whether you can handle the complicated interests of all parties behind the glory.

Doesn't she know that she can't go wrong if she follows the palace rules?

However, if you choose to go alone, you will face enemies from all sides.

When choosing an alliance, one must take into account the interests of one’s party members.

In this world, no path is easy. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and each has its own constraints.

Ning Wanyin was indeed quite capable. She had been in charge for many years and the palace had always been peaceful.

……

There was a rare bustle in Changchun Palace today.

Shunpin looked at the concubines in front of her with some surprise. Half of them were the concubines who had served with her in the palace before, and the other half were the first to enter the palace through the selection. The highest was Zhaoyi, and the lowest was Guiren. There were seven or eight of them in total, and they were all from ordinary families.

"How come my sisters have the leisure to come here to drink tea with me today?" Shunpin asked puzzledly.

Although she was the head of a palace, she only had one daughter and was not favored in daily life.

Even if the concubines of lower rank tried to curry favor with her, they would never come to her.

"Empress Shun, have you heard about what happened to Concubine Xu?" There was a hint of fear in Wang Zhaoyi's eyes.

She lived with Xu Zhaoyi. Although they did not have much friendship, they had known each other for many years.

If Xu Zhaoyi committed suicide by offending an important figure, she would not think it was a big deal and would just think that she deserved it.

But she just sat at home and the pot came out of the sky.

Xu Zhaoyi didn't even say a word when her silver charcoal was stolen, and didn't dare to complain.

It was just because of bad luck that someone chose her to steal her things, and she ended up with her family broken up.

Just ask the concubines who have no family background and no backing like her, who wouldn’t be afraid?

We don't fight or compete, we give you whatever you want, and we will be killed in the end. Today it's Xu Zhaoyi, who will it be tomorrow?

When the lips and teeth are gone, the fox mourns.

Shunpin also felt sympathetic, "I heard about it. She is so young, what a pity..."

"Who says it's not true? We've gone through all the storms, but now it's gone..." Another concubine took over the conversation.

When Xue and Cen were fighting, people died in the palace like wheat being harvested.

Everybody survived.

There was a palace coup and a plague, but everyone was safe and sound.

As a result, everything seems to be getting better and better now, but he died in an unclear manner.

Some time ago, everyone was happy that Ning Wanyin was not around and had a chance to compete for favor.

but now--

"Empress Shunpin, you have always been on good terms with the Imperial Concubine. Do you know when the Empress will be back?" Wang Zhaoyi's face was full of anticipation.

When the imperial concubine was in charge, she never deducted their share, and no one dared to make trouble.

All they need to do is behave themselves and not cause trouble, and they can enjoy their old age.

Rather than competing for favor, everyone wants to stay alive more.

Shunpin looked at them in surprise. Weren't you very happy a few days ago?

"I'm not sure about that. It seemed like it took two months to recuperate..." Shunpin replied.

"Ah? It took so long? Could you please remind His Majesty to bring the Queen back earlier?" Wang Zhaoyi urged.

The others also looked at Shunpin with burning and earnest eyes.

Shunpin: Ah?

It's only been half a month since we last met.

When His Majesty had not returned from the autumn hunt, I didn't see you so anxious.

Do you all miss the Imperial Concubine so much?