The Empress looked at Consort Chen and asked, “Consort Chen, do you realize your mistake?”
Consort Chen's expression changed in panic. “This Concubine knows her mistake.”
“On that day, when the Second Prince suddenly developed a rash, This Concubine was worried about his safety.”
“In a moment of urgency, I called all the imperial physicians over.”
“I didn’t expect that something would happen to Consort Xie.”
The Emperor was taken aback. “What happened to Jing Xuan?”
Consort Chen smiled and replied, “She is fine now.”
The Empress nodded. “Since it has come to this, let the physicians examine Consort Xie's body and the medicinal dishes.”
Half an hour later, the results were out.
There was no poison in the medicinal dishes.
And Consort Xie had not died from poisoning.
Lian'er's eyes widened in disbelief. “How is that possible?”
She stared intently at the physician who had checked her master's pulse.
The physician lowered his gaze, feeling guilty.
Lian'er instantly understood and exclaimed:
“It was you!”
“You misdiagnosed my master’s pulse!”
The Empress waved her hand, signaling the guards to drag Lian'er away.
Lian'er struggled. “Your Majesty, this servant is not lying!”
"You must stand up for my master!"
The Empress sighed, " Lian'er, you have conspired against Consort Xie."
"Now that there is both witness and evidence, I cannot save you."
Lian'er was soon sentenced to death.
Consort Liang was placed under house arrest for a month.
Afterward, the Empress privately asked me, "What do you think?"
I shook my head, "No matter the truth, what matters is how the Emperor perceives it."
The Empress nodded, "This palace seems glamorous, but in reality, it is fraught with danger."
"People's hearts are inscrutable; one never knows when they might be harmed."
I comforted her, "Your Majesty need not be so pessimistic."
The Empress forced a smile, "I have weathered too many storms over the years."
"Jiang Lili, I only hope you can remain safe and sound."
"If I am no longer here, you must be extremely cautious in your actions."
I agreed.
In the blink of an eye, Prince Jing Lin turned one month old.
Due to the auspicious signs at his birth, he was greatly favored by the Emperor.
The concubines in the palace all vied to raise him.
But only the Empress had the privilege to do so.
Everyone rushed to the Queen's palace to crowd in.
The Queen seemed a bit overwhelmed and asked me why I hadn't come.
I helplessly replied, "Your Majesty, Mu Yao and Jing An are already quite troublesome."
The Queen chuckled softly, "That's true."
"However, Jing Lin is the Emperor's favorite prince."
"I believe the Emperor would never let him be left out in the cold."
I paused for a moment, "Do you mean...?"
The Queen smiled, "You'll find out soon enough."
Sure enough, it wasn't long before the Emperor handed the one-month-old Prince Jing Lin over to me.
I was so startled that I stumbled back.
In my arms, Jing Lin was peacefully asleep.
His little face was chubby and soft like a cotton candy.
I was afraid I might not control my strength and accidentally hurt him.
But the Emperor seemed oblivious to my fear.
He smiled and said,
"I knew that little Jiang is the most gentle and kind-hearted."
"With Jing Lin entrusted to you, I feel completely at ease."
I want to cry but have no tears.
Do you think I want to raise him?
Isn't this just forcing a duck onto the shelf?
All the concubines in the harem are eager to take care of Prince Jing Lin.
And what happened? The Emperor handed Prince Jing Lin over to me, a powerless and insignificant Consort Rank.
In an instant, I became the target of everyone's ire.
Only Mu Yao and Jing An were happy.
Mu Yao clung to my arm and pouted, "Li Li Consort, does that mean Little Prince will live with us from now on?"
I nodded, "Yes."
Mu Yao jumped up in delight, "That's wonderful!"
Jing An also smiled and said, "Now I can come see Little Prince every day."
The Emperor occasionally comes to visit us.
But every time, he just takes a look at Jing Lin and leaves.
The other concubines are very dissatisfied.
But what can I do? Prince Jing Lin isn't my own child.
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