Chapter 377 – Bring Forth Both Clues and Evidence

Chapter 377 - Bring Forth Both Clues and Evidence

Such an act was not within the means of ordinary folk.

At the very least, one would need connections and wealth to hire bandits daring enough to kill over a dozen people.

Although the Jiang family was currently financially strained, they still had the funds to hire assassins.

The incident involving the He family occurred at the foot of a mountain not far from Anping County.

Qi Xiang sent his men to inquire around Anping County since that would be where one would go to hire killers.

It was impossible for someone to leave no trace behind; even shadows linger after people pass by.

Qi Xiang was formidable, ordering a thorough search throughout Anping County and sparing no expense. With only two inns in this small place, how could outsiders lodging there avoid leaving any clues?

In just a few days, numerous sketches were drawn.

On He Jinni's side, there were more suspects, including the Qi family, which also needed investigating.

Qixiang handed over the findings directly to the Ministry of Punishment.

Ultimately, it still had to be verified by the Ministry of Punishment.

As for the maid by Qi Xiaoming's wife, Yu, she indeed confessed upon entering the ministry that Seventh Young Master was not at the estate; he had traveled elsewhere.

Yu's side had already brought the maid's entire family to the capital and threw them all into the Ministry of Punishment.

The Qi family's unflinching attitude toward investigation gave both the ministry officials and the capital's officials a clear understanding of their stance.

With multiple leads to follow, the Ministry of Punishment naturally wouldn't dare to engage in favoritism or corruption. Those behind the scenes wouldn't dare to try and buy them off either.

It has to be said that the portraits did their job; they quickly led to the identification of a bodyguard from the Eternal Peace Marquis Manor.

Though the Jiang family denied it and the culprit hadn't been apprehended just yet, they did have a lead, didn't they?

In the Yangzheng Palace, He Jinli laughed softly, "That old fox."

"It was fitting for the virtuous concubine to be his mother."

Mon Chang responded with a smile, thinking to himself that the emperor hadn't laughed like this since the incident occurred.

"Hao, now that we have a lead, investigate it. Look into the harem as well, but do so discreetly, without causing a commotion," He Jinli said.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

He Jinli perused the files for a while longer and chuckled. "How long has it been since I last visited the harem?"

"Twelve days, Your Majesty," Mon Chang replied.

He Jinli raised an eyebrow. "Send someone to convey the message, summon Empress Xiaoxian here."

"Yes," Meng Chang replied and left promptly.

At the door, Li Mu chuckled. "What task do you have, Your Excellency? I'd be glad to run errands for you."

"Tsk, there's indeed something. You go invite Empress Xiaoxian here."

"Yes, but... if you don't mind, could you give me a hint about what the Emperor's...?" Li Mu asked with a smile, seeking clarification.

Meng Chang harrumphed. "Nothing at all. You're quite the worrywart. Is Empress Xian as timid as you?"

Li Mu chuckled and supported Meng Chang as they walked. "You know how it is for us servants. We'd rather not be the bearers of bad news, or we won't be welcomed anywhere."

Meng Chang waved her hand. "Enough, enough. Off with you, I have other matters to attend to."

"Very well, your Excellency." Li Mu bowed.

When Li Mu arrived, Yun Li was propping her head up, yawning as she listened to Zhi Fu and the others report on the contents of the storeroom.

It was almost November, and it was time to start making clothes for the New Year.

This year, Zhi Fu and the others likely wanted to distract her from worrying about outside matters, so they had specifically inventoried the storeroom.

And that was when everyone lost their minds.

There were far too many items.

"Is there no room in the Jade Channel Palace? No one's occupying the side chambers. Why not open two of them?" Yun Li groaned at the thought.

It was then that Li Mu arrived, smiling as he said, "Your Majesty requests your presence."

Yun Li got up and changed into a pair of shoes before donning a cloak and leaving.

When she met He Jinli, she greeted him with a smile. "Your Majesty has summoned me; it seems my suspicions have been cleared."

He Jinli chuckled. "When have I ever doubted you?"

"I might be able to convince you alone, but what about the Qi family? There's still Minister Qi from that family," Yun Li said with a smile.

He Jinli didn't deny this; it was indeed the truth.

"Come sit. What were you doing just now?" He Jinli held out his hand.

Yun Li walked over and sat beside him.

"I was organizing the storeroom, but it only became more chaotic. I instructed them to open a few more rooms," Yun Li explained.

"Heavenly Jade Palace is perfect in every way, except that it's a bit small. I'll find you a new residence. As a Virtuous Consort, you deserve better," He Jinli offered. "How about Jade Zhi Palace? It's spacious and well-suited. We can renovate and tidy it up, and you can move in for the New Year."

Yun Li chuckled. "Have you forgotten who initially resided in Yuzhi Palace?"

He Jinli's brow furrowed as he recalled Qi Qingluan.

"…What's there to be cautious about? She hasn't passed away."

"Imagine if people say that my sister and I are vying for the same palace," Yun Li said, giving He Jinli's neck a playful pinch.

"Well, if you don't like Yuzhi Palace, how about one of the larger ones… Let me think. There's only Yong'an Palace and Zhonghua Palace left."

Palaces in the harem were also ranked by size. The largest, aside from Fengyi Palace, was equipped with pavilions and terraces—this was a given.

Next came Shufei's current residence, Gannu Palace, Jinde Fei's former Zhaohua Palace, and Jiang Concubine's current Zhonghua Palace and Yuzhi Palace.

Although Yuxi Palace was slightly smaller than these four, it was still exquisite and luxurious.

However, it was an improvement over Yun Li's initial residence, Lian'an Palace, when she first entered the palace.

"Isn't Zhonghua Palace Jiang Concubine's?" Yun Li asked.

"She's merely a Concubine, not entitled to such a grand palace. If you fancy it, have her move out," He Jinli said.

"Hmm, never mind. I don't feel like it."

He Jinli drew her close. "If that's the case, move out first. I'll have your Yu Qu Palace reconstructed."

"Isn't that just revisiting old ground?" Yun Li chuckled.

"Then move," He Jinli insisted.

Yun Li clicked her tongue. "Are you being stubborn? Alright then, I do like the name Yu Qu Palace. If I really must move, change Yuzhi Palace instead."

Moving wouldn't be an issue, but that palace was indeed larger.

There were two pavilions outside the hall and a lotus pond – it was a large and beautiful palace indeed.

Back then, when He Jinli had granted Empress Concubine Qi Qingluan residence there, he had truly honored her.

"What's so difficult about that? I'll issue an edict to change it. Since you dislike the name Yuzhi Palace, your current palace can be renamed in the future. We'll simply discard the characters 'Yuzhi' then," He Jinli said.

"Thank you very much," Yun Li said with a hint of laziness.

He Jinli smiled and pinched her cheek. "I'll issue an order for the repairs to begin. I'll have it ready for you before the new year. This year, you can entertain guests there."

Yun Li nodded, not overly anticipating the change.

But one advantage was that it was closer to the imperial kitchen, as well as the Guanghong Palace and Guanglong Palace, which were part of the former imperial court.

Of course, for the emperor, it was also closer to Zhengyang Palace.

But for Yun Li, it was a bit farther from Fengyi Palace. Compared to her current palace, it was a slightly longer distance.

Still, it was tolerable.

Soon, He Jinli announced that Yu Zhi Palace would be renamed as Yu Qu Palace, designated exclusively for the residence of the Virtuous Consort. The original Xiuyi would move to the Qiyue Pavilion at the back.

Once the Virtuous Consort moved out of the present Yu Qu Palace, it would be renamed Cuiping Palace.