Chapter 200: Leaving the Palace

Chapter 200: Leaving the Palace

He Jinli first frowned, then seemed unsure of what to say.

Regarding the incense incident from years ago, of course, he remembered.

Yunli has always attributed this matter to Qi Jingyi. Now, it has to be left at that. However, he knows it was the Empress who did it. Since it has come to this, he must instruct people to keep an eye on her and ensure the Empress doesn't harm her unborn child.

As for Qi Jingyi inquiring about her medical records, it's unclear what she intended to do, but it certainly raised Yunli's guard. Luckily, with Qi Jingyi leaving, it's considered resolved. Considering the Qi family, there's no need to hold a grudge.

"Sending her away was my decision; Yun'er need not overthink it. Once she's gone, you won't see each other again. She won't have the chance to harm you anymore," He Jinli said.

Yunli nodded: "It's better she leaves. I fear that one day someone will exploit her naivety; she's foolish and always ends up harming her own people," Yunli expressed disdainfully.

He Jinli chuckled and pinched her face: "It's good that Yun'er is smart."

In reality, Yunli didn't have to bring up this matter.

However, having seen Doctor Song that day before rushing to Qiulan Pavilion, the incident couldn't be concealed.

If she didn't speak up, it might become an unresolved issue. The Emperor might not inquire, but it doesn't mean he's indifferent. If someone were to investigate, they might not uncover anything, but why leave a loophole when it can be clarified?

Doctor Song has been taken care of by her; as long as he doesn't wish to die, he won't reveal a word about the Fourth Prince.

The same goes for Qi Jingyi.

As for Lan Fei.

Zhifu did visit once, but the reason was to get a pattern imprint from Yun XiaoYi's people.

Yun XiaoYi had a maid skilled in drawing such patterns, sought after by many in the harem.

Even if Lan Fei spreads rumors, such non-lethal gossip lacks a solid foundation.

Moreover, the Empress believed and led the initiative to send Qi Jingyi out of the palace, possibly involving herself further, complicating the matter.

As long as He Jinli harbors no suspicion towards Yunli, he wouldn't pay much attention to the movements of a mere servant.

The main concern is to avoid any shadow of doubt cast by her sudden visit to Qi Jingyi.

Qi Jingyi inquired about the pregnant Yunli's medical records, a plausible action in the Emperor's eyes, given their enmity.

Lies can never be as convincing as the truth mixed with falsehoods.

He Jinli, of course, came to know of this.

Indeed, for an emperor, it suffices to be wise and valiant in state affairs.

In the harem, protecting a few cared-for individuals and ensuring the safety of those who must not be harmed is key.

The fate of others, whether they live or die, and the truth are inconsequential.

Any emperor overly fixated on harem affairs would be deemed ineffectual.

He Jinli is no exception.

Thus, in this harem filled with intrigues, satisfying his own understanding is enough for him not to probe further.

Even knowing who plots against whom sometimes doesn't constitute a significant issue.

Believing you must be an innocent lamb to be favored by the emperor is foolish.

To be favored, usefulness comes first, followed by personal virtues.

It's not that there aren't cases where the emperor favors someone for their own sake, but those are rare, very rare.

Shu Zhaoyi might be one such case, without any external factors influencing her favor, yet her favor has always been lukewarm.

Everyone must have their own value. Perhaps, Shu Zhaoyi's value is not considered significant.

"Yun'er, are you tired today? You should rest early. I'll keep you company," He Jinli observed Yunli's slightly dark under-eyes.

Her skin is so pale that even a slight sign of fatigue is noticeable.

Yunli gently shook his hand, saying, "Okay. But you must only keep me company, nothing else."

He Jinli raised an eyebrow, "It seems Yun'er is prepared."

Yunli huffed, and He Jinli laughed, "Alright, no jokes, go wash up."

Satisfied, Yunli gave him a peck and left.

The next morning, Qi Jingyi left the palace.

Before her departure, she had to bid farewell to the Empress.

Dressed in an autumn fragrance-colored dress, she knelt in the Fengyi Palace hall: "Today, I leave the palace and specially come to bid farewell to the Empress."

The Empress looked at her for a long time, noting how much Qi Qingluan had aged.

"Looking at you reminds me of the days in the Eastern Palace. You were the treasured daughter of the Dongchang Marquis, the direct daughter of the current Minister of the Central Secretariat. The virtuous daughter of the Qi family. Excellent in every way, outstanding in all aspects... In the blink of an eye, so many years have passed."

"Back then in the Eastern Palace, you were the only consort, though just below the Crown Princess, yet you were glorified. Upon entering the palace, you became the Noble Consort, still only below me. After all these years, so many years..." the Empress sighed, "Sometimes, I want to ask you, what discontent do you have? Are you so unwilling to not become the Empress?"

Qi Jingyi lowered her head, "I dare not."

"Dare not... now you dare not," the Empress took a deep breath: "Enough, it's futile to talk to you. You're going to the villa for recuperation and you shall never return. I need not speak further, I only wish you reflect on your sins from now on."

"The fear is, she doesn't think she has sinned," said Jinde Consort indifferently.

"Indeed, how could she ever think she's wrong? It's always someone else's fault," Minfei added coldly.

"Ultimately, she is guilty, and even the heavens won't forgive her," Wu Zhao Rong gritted her teeth.

"Qiong Jiyu, do you have anything to say to your sister?" the Empress turned to Yunli.

Yunli looked at the kneeling figure: "Since the Empress has asked me to speak, I'll say this, elder sister, with your departure, I wish for us to never meet again in this life."

The Empress smiled, "See, even your sister is utterly disgusted by you. Enough, you may leave."

Qi Jingyi seemed no longer to care.

She hadn't slept at all last night.

Thinking all night, yet it felt like she thought of nothing.

At this point, a few words, she could endure; her heart seemed to have flown away.

She knew, her life would be spent in the villa.

But somehow, that didn't seem so bad.

She... was willing.

"I take my leave." Qi Jingyi didn't bother with pleasantries. Rising, she bowed and turned to leave.

She boarded a green cloth carriage, with some luggage behind her and another mule cart carrying her belongings, along with Mianxing and Shuangjiang, all headed to the southern villa.

Leaving the palace, they couldn't help but look back involuntarily.

Qi Qingluan thought back to when she first entered this palace, full of confidence, never doubting she would lose after entering the Eastern Palace.

Yet, she leaves under such circumstances.

The weather was fine, and she watched the sunrise at the horizon, thinking of the scenery and landscapes of the villa.

Yunli was right; she indeed could have a good life at the villa.

She wasn't short of money and there, no one would torment her anymore.

As for the inner palace, she would watch and see, watch Yunli, her sister who proved to be stronger, to see what end she would meet.

She would definitely watch to see if she could climb as high, reach the position of Noble Consort.

She was looking forward to it.