Chapter 24: The Smooth Sailing Boat

Chapter 24: The Smooth Sailing Boat

"Jiaojiao, come here."

In the evening, the clouds in the sky were tinged with a pinkish-orange glow, stretching endlessly as far as the eye could see.

Luo Luo, following Yu Ying's instructions, retrieved the golden hairpins from the storeroom and then sought Ling Xiao to check them out before carrying the brocade box towards the direction of Zui Xia Palace.

The journey from Guan Ju Palace to Zui Xia Palace was quite long, and it was common for palace maids to run errands to deliver gifts, so she didn't find it strange that her mistress had sent her to deliver a gift today.

The weather was cool and pleasant, making the walk relatively comfortable. As she carried the brocade box, she glanced up at the sky, and her stifled mood suddenly lifted.

Especially—

After meeting Aunt Zhi Tong today, her heart, which had been anxious for several days, finally settled.

As long as her relatives in Suzhou were safe, she could do anything.

Now, Lian Meiren had no idea that she was a spy planted by Noble Consort Wang, so she could always find an opportunity to act while lurking by Lian Meiren's side.

As the sky darkened slightly, Luo Luo finally arrived at the gate of Zui Xia Palace.

She greeted the palace maid on duty at the gate with a smile and said, "Auntie, I am a palace maid under Lian Meiren. I would like to request an audience with Yun Baolin to present her with a congratulatory gift for her promotion."

The palace maid at the gate looked her up and down, frowned in surprise, and said, "Under Lian Meiren?"

It was well known throughout the palace that Min Chongyi despised Lian Meiren, especially among the people of Zui Xia Palace, where everyone knew that their mistress now regarded Lian Meiren as a thorn in her side.

Yun Baolin had just gained favor and moved in. What connection did she have with Lian Meiren?

The palace maid on duty, suspicious but not daring to delay, immediately said, "Wait here for a moment, let me go and report."

She was extra cautious and went to Min Chongyi's palace first, bowing and asking for instructions, "Mistress..."

Min Chongyi was sitting by the window, trimming a pot of flowers. Seeing the person on duty today, she glanced at her leisurely and said slowly, "What is it?"

"Mistress, a palace maid under Lian Meiren has come to request an audience with Yun Baolin. I found it suspicious, so I came to ask for your instructions first."

Hearing the name Lian Meiren, Min Chongyi's relaxed expression immediately changed.

She put down the golden scissors in her hand and said coldly, "What is her person doing in my Zui Xia Palace!"

"She said it's to congratulate Yun Baolin on her promotion."

Min Chongyi sneered and said sarcastically, "Who doesn't know that Yun Baolin's original master was Consort Mi! Yun Baolin has turned over a new leaf and should be their mortal enemy. Now they come running to congratulate Yun Baolin, afraid that I won't see the deceit in this!"

"Go, bring her up. I want to see what kind of gift dares to be sent to Zui Xia Palace!"

Having received Min Chongyi's order, the palace maid at Zui Xia Palace also looked displeased, looking down at Luo Luo with a condescending expression, "The mistress said, you are to go to the main hall to see her. If there are no issues, naturally, you will be allowed to go to Lian Yue Pavilion to see Yun Baolin."

Luo Luo had thought it would be a simple gift delivery, but she didn't expect that Min Chongyi would want to see her. She was momentarily confused and felt uneasy.

But Min Chongyi was already waiting to see her in the main hall, so she had no choice but to brace herself and enter, respectfully performing a grand salute, "This maid greets Min Chongyi. May the mistress be blessed with good fortune."

Min Chongyi sat in the main seat and scoffed coldly, "Your mistress is truly magnanimous, sending gifts to Yun Baolin at this time. If I hadn't known she was a scheming vixen, Yun Baolin would have been utterly ruined by her!"

"Bring the gift here!" Min Chongyi barked, startling Luo Luo, who immediately had tears in her eyes.

She knelt and approached, holding the tray high, trembling as she explained, "My mistress only sent me to deliver a gift, and it's nothing that can be ingested. Please judge wisely, mistress!"

Long before coming to Zhuixia Palace, Yu Ying had warned her not to offend Min Chongyi.

Min Chongyi was always harsh and, as the mistress of the palace, she would make life difficult for anyone she deliberately picked on. Moreover, the last time Min Chongyi punished Noble Consort Wang by making her kneel, Lian Meiren ended up gaining the Emperor's favor and was granted a title. Since then, the two had been at odds.

Luo Luo had mentally prepared herself, but she didn't expect Min Chongyi to directly summon her to the main hall, leaving her no way to avoid it.

The brocade box on the tray was opened by Min Chongyi's gilded nails, revealing two exquisite golden hairpins inside.

With just one glance, Min Chongyi's expression changed.

These hairpins were part of the jewelry the Empress Dowager had gifted to the Empress back when they were still in the Crown Prince's residence. Min Chongyi, who had been present at the time, remembered it vividly.

Last night, Yun Baolin had served the Emperor without regard for the Empress's face. Although the Empress showed no outward signs of displeasure, she must have been deeply unhappy inside.

Moreover, their faction had long been a thorn in the Empress's side. If these hairpins were not accepted, it would be seen as Yun Baolin disrespecting the Empress. If they were accepted, and if Lian Meiren publicly mentioned these hairpins, the Empress would still feel disgusted.

No matter what Yun Baolin did, the Empress's dislike for her would only grow deeper.

Although Noble Consort Wang held significant power in managing the six palaces, many matters in the harem still required the Empress's approval.

On the surface, Lian Meiren was merely sending golden hairpins, but in reality, she was trying to harm Yun Baolin!

Min Chongyi was furious, but she had no choice but to accept the hairpins.

She set the hairpins aside and, recalling Luo Luo's earlier words, flared up: "Not for consumption? What, do you think I would falsely accuse Lian Meiren of harming a concubine?"

Such a heavy accusation was too much for Luo Luo, a mere maid, to bear. She hurriedly shook her head, stammering, "I didn't mean that, I just..."

Min Chongyi glared at her sharply and saw tears in Luo Luo's eyes, her words becoming incoherent from fear.

Seeing her tears, Min Chongyi was reminded of how Lian Meiren had cried and gained the Emperor's sympathy, which had humiliated her. Her anger flared even more.

"Wretched woman! All you know is crying!" Min Chongyi grabbed a porcelain cup from the side and hurled it at Luo Luo's head: "You and your mistress are both wretched women who know how to play the victim!"

Min Chongyi slammed her hand on the table, her eyes red with anger: "Qiu Xin, slap her face hard!"

In Pixiang Palace.

Su Jiaojiao rested her head on the soft couch, her sleeves rolled up to reveal her delicate, pale hands.

She pondered the chessboard before her, moving the black piece back three steps and capturing several white pieces. Glancing at the sky, her voice carried a hint of laziness: "It's getting dark, Luo Luo should be back by now."

Yu Ying looked out the window at the sky, closing it halfway, her expression inscrutable as she asked, "My lady, should we send Xiao Songzi to fetch Luo Luo now?"

Su Jiaojiao paused slightly, then said calmly, "Go ahead, but be careful not to be seen."

"I don't trust anyone else in Pixiang Palace."

The night grew late, well past dinner time.

Candlelight gradually lit up like a long river, making the unlit areas even darker.

Xiao Songzi, carrying a palace lantern, was on his way to Zhuixia Palace when he saw Luo Luo stumbling back, covering her face.

He quickened his pace and approached her, asking with concern, "Luo Luo, what happened to you?"

Hearing a familiar voice, Luo Luo was momentarily stunned, then realized who it was. Her defenses and grievances melted away.

She trembled as she touched her swollen face, crying out, "Xiao Songzi... I... it was Min Chongyi who hit me..."

Because her cheeks were swollen from being beaten, several of Luo Luo's teeth had become loose, causing her speech to be slightly distorted. Xiao Songzi held the palace lantern close to her face, using the light to examine her injuries.

The moment he saw clearly, Xiao Songzi was startled.

Both sides of Luo Luo's cheeks were swollen high, and her eyes were so swollen that she could barely open them a slit. She hardly looked human, a testament to the force used by Min Chongyi's people.

No wonder Luo Luo was walking so slowly. It was dark, and she didn’t have a lantern, so she could only feel her way forward. Moreover, although the surroundings of Zuixia Palace were beautiful, it was quite remote. Once night fell, there were hardly any people around, let alone anyone kind enough to offer her a hand.

Xiao Songzi glanced at Luo Luo discreetly, but his tone remained gentle, "You probably can't see the road clearly. Be careful. Fortunately, our mistress is kind and specifically sent me to fetch you."

Having just suffered a great injustice, Luo Luo felt particularly close to Xiao Songzi, who shared the same palace with her. She was unaware that her identity as a spy had already been exposed, and she was deeply grateful for the timely help from her mistress and Xiao Songzi.

The two walked together for a while, and gradually, the sound of frogs croaking reached their ears. Xiao Songzi's gaze sharpened—he knew they had reached the Thousand Carp Lotus Pond.

As they walked, he suddenly exclaimed, "Ouch!" and placed the palace lantern on the ground, pretending to squat down.

The path ahead suddenly became blurry, and Luo Luo panicked, "Xiao Songzi, what's wrong?"

Xiao Songzi quickly replied, "It's nothing, nothing. I think I stepped on something, and my foot suddenly hurts." While speaking, he took the opportunity to open the lantern cover and, with lightning speed, blew out the candlelight.

The surroundings were instantly plunged into darkness.

Luo Luo's already narrow field of vision turned pitch black. Unable to see the path, she was about to ask Xiao Songzi what was going on.

But Xiao Songzi reacted swiftly. He stood up and covered Luo Luo's mouth, decisively dragging her toward the edge of the lotus pond.

He used all his strength, leaving her no chance to resist.

Luo Luo, having just been beaten and being frail, was no match for the strong and sturdy Xiao Songzi. She tried to scream twice, but the sound was muffled in her throat, unable to escape.

Then, her head was forced into the foul-smelling pond water. The water rushed into her lungs through her nose, causing her to choke several times. Overwhelmed by panic and suffocation, the more she tried to breathe, the more water she inhaled. Soon, all she could hear was the gurgling of water.

Before long, there was no more sound.

This was Xiao Songzi's first time killing someone, and he was somewhat frightened.

But for a spy who intended to harm his mistress, he quickly composed himself. After estimating the direction, he pushed Luo Luo's body into the Thousand Carp Lotus Pond.

With a "plop," the surroundings fell into silence.

Xiao Songzi patted the dirt and water stains off his clothes, groped around to find the palace lantern, and took out a fire starter from his sleeve. With a gentle blow, the lantern lit up again. He skillfully took a small path back to Guanju Palace, unnoticed by anyone along the way.

After returning to Pixiang Palace and reporting to Su Jiaojiao, Xiao Songzi slightly lowered his head, awaiting further instructions.

Having personally killed Luo Luo, he inevitably had water splashed on him. The hair by his temples was damp, and droplets of water were still falling.

Upon hearing the details, Su Jiaojiao's expression softened for a moment.

But it was only for a moment before it turned cold again.

In her heart, she knew that Luo Luo was a pitiful person.

Used by Noble Consort Wang, with her family threatened, Luo Luo had no choice but to act against her will in the palace, suffering persecution.

But was Su Jiaojiao herself not innocent?

If Ling Xiao hadn't discovered the plot in time, she might have already been harmed, and in the worst case, her life could have been in danger.

If she wasn't cruel, others would be cruel to her.

Through all these years of struggle, Su Jiaojiao's heart has become much harder than many others'.

"You said that before Luo Luo died, her cheeks were swollen and red, and her eyes were so swollen that only a slit remained?" Su Jiaojiao pondered for a moment and confirmed again. She calmly lifted her eyes and only then noticed the water stains on Xiao Songzi's clothes. She said gently, "Wait a moment, go out and clean yourself properly, don't let anyone see."

Xiao Songzi felt grateful and bowed, saying, "Yes, my lady, that's exactly how it was. When I first saw Luo Luo, I was quite startled. If it weren't for me, given her condition at the time, she might have fallen into the Thousand Carp Lotus Pond herself."

Su Jiaojiao nodded and looked at Xiao Songzi, saying gently, "This was your first time killing someone, wasn't it?"

Xiao Songzi was momentarily stunned, then lowered his head and acknowledged it.

"Do you think I'm heartless?" Su Jiaojiao sighed, her voice very soft, "If it weren't necessary, who would want to have blood on their hands? Xiao Songzi, you've been in the palace for quite some time. You must have seen more of these power struggles than I have."

Her voice was soothing, making it hard not to believe her, "I only hope that all of our people can live well. In this palace that devours people without spitting out bones, I hope we can all smile and live to the end."

"Alright?"

Seeing her lady's deep thoughts, the unease in Xiao Songzi's heart gradually dissipated and turned into determination, "Xiao Songzi will follow your orders, my lady. I have no regrets."

Su Jiaojiao smiled with satisfaction and said softly, "You've worked hard today, go and rest."

After everyone had left Pixiang Hall, Su Jiaojiao wearily rubbed her temples.

In just over two hours, although Su Jiaojiao appeared calm on the surface, her heart had been on edge the entire time.

After all, this move of hers was quite risky.

She had to ensure that Min Chongyi would definitely not know about Noble Consort Wang's secret plan to kill her, and she had to guess that Min Chongyi, upon learning that someone from Pixiang Hall had come to see her, would not let it go easily.

Only by ensuring these two points could Luo Luo's death be of value.

But fortunately, her calculations were flawless.

Su Jiaojiao picked up a porcelain cup, lifted the lid, and blew on the freshly brewed Longjing tea. Her gaze passed through the doorway, looking outside. The stars outside were like a woven tapestry, shining brightly against the dark blue sky, like a painting.

Tomorrow would surely be a good day.

The next morning, Pixiang Hall was in chaos.

Su Jiaojiao was being attended to by Ling Xiao, who was helping her with her hair and makeup, preparing to go to Fengyi Palace to pay respects to the Empress. Just then, Yu Ying hurried in from outside the hall and exclaimed, "My lady!"

She frowned slightly and asked, "What's happened?"

Yu Ying looked around worriedly at the palace servants who were tidying up the beds in Pixiang Hall and said, "My lady, Luo Luo is missing."

"According to Rui An, who shares a room with her, she didn't see Luo Luo last night before going to bed. She thought Luo Luo had been sent on an errand by you, but this morning she still hadn't seen her, so she quickly came to inform me," Yu Ying's tone was anxious, "I thought something was wrong and asked around the entire palace, but no one has seen Luo Luo."

Su Jiaojiao frowned and said, "Yesterday afternoon, didn't Luo Luo go to deliver gifts to Yun Baolin?"

She raised her voice slightly, "Did any of you see her return?"

The palace servants in the hall looked at each other and bowed, saying, "My lady, we haven't seen her."

"That's strange. How could a person just disappear like that?" Su Jiaojiao's tone also became slightly urgent, "If a living person disappears under my watch, wouldn't His Majesty and the Empress blame me for it?"

Yu Ying then spoke up, though hesitantly, "My lady..."

Su Jiaojiao saw her hesitation and urged, "What is it? Speak quickly!"

Yu Ying quickly knelt down and said, "I was just thinking that Min Chongyi has always been at odds with you. Yesterday, Luo Luo went to Zhuixia Palace. Could it be that..."

"What if?" Su Jiaojiao was slightly stunned, but she quickly understood Yu Ying's implication. Covering her mouth with one hand, she exclaimed in shock, "Are you saying that Luo Luo might have offended Min Chongyi..."

She immediately stood up, panicked, "All of you, go out and look for her! Make sure to bring her back! If Luo Luo is seriously injured, take her to the medical office for treatment."

Su Jiaojiao's eyes were filled with sorrow, her voice carrying a melodious sob, "I have always cherished my people. If Luo Luo suffers because of me..."

Before she could finish, a few tears fell from her beautiful eyes, making anyone who saw her feel pity.

The palace servants of Pixiang Palace felt even more that their mistress was kind-hearted, secretly thinking they had indeed followed a wise master, and hurriedly put down their tasks to go search for Luo Luo.

After everyone had left, Su Jiaojiao leisurely wiped away her tears with a handkerchief and said calmly, "Ling Xiao, no rush."

"We'll go last."

After about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, Su Jiaojiao finally got up from her seat and hurriedly entered Fengyi Palace.

Although she was close to Fengyi Palace, she was almost the last to enter, her hurried appearance drawing everyone's attention.

Su Jiaojiao's eyes were red, biting her lower lip hesitantly for a moment before reluctantly performing the greeting ritual, her voice carrying a barely noticeable sob, "Your humble servant greets the Empress."

The Empress glanced at her and frowned, "Consort Lian usually arrives on time for greetings, why are you late today?"

Su Jiaojiao nodded slightly, concealing her full of grievances and worries, "Something happened in Pixiang Palace, hence the delay. I beg for the Empress's forgiveness."

Consort Lian had always been gentle and courteous, though somewhat favored, she was not seen as a thorn in the Empress's side. Her manners were always proper, so the Empress decided not to make an issue of it, saying gently, "Rise."

Seeing Su Jiaojiao's disoriented state, Min Chongyi felt pleased.

She had slapped Luo Luo fifty times yesterday, leaving her face numb and swollen, surely too embarrassed to show up today and needing a medical attendant.

Though it was a maid who was beaten, it was actually the mistress's face that was hit. If Su Jiaojiao didn't feel humiliated, why would she delay until the end? She must have become the laughing stock of the entire palace!

She sneered coldly, slightly raising her chin.

After all, Consort Lian was always petty, just a mere maid, yet she made such a big fuss!

Min Chongyi sneered and asked, "Is Consort Lian truly so kind-hearted? Just a mere maid, yet she delayed greeting the Empress. I wonder, in Consort Lian's heart, is the maid more important, or is greeting the Empress more important?"

Su Jiaojiao paused in her rising motion and remained silent for a while before bowing down and saying softly, "In my heart, the Empress is the mother of the nation, a model for the world, second only to the Emperor in respect, and I dare not be disrespectful."

"However, though a maid is insignificant, she is still a life," she knelt on the ground, her voice mournful, "The Empress is the mother of the nation, and all the people of the world are her children. Though a maid's life is humble, she is still among the people of the world. Now, a good person has suddenly disappeared. As her mistress, if I ignore this, wouldn't it make the palace servants lose heart..."

Su Jiaojiao looked up at the Empress, tears streaming down her face, "Empress, I did not wish to displease you early in the morning, but since Min Chongyi has spoken, I must also report to you."

"Yesterday, I sent the maid Luo Luo to deliver the pair of gold hairpins you rewarded me with to Yun Baolin, but she never returned. I only found out this morning."

She cried like a pear blossom in the rain, evoking pity, "How could a good person not know to return to the palace?"

The Empress frowned as she looked at the mournfully weeping Consort Lian in the hall, pondering several times.

It was well known that Min Chongyi disliked Consort Lian, and Min Chongyi's impulsive nature often led to her beating and scolding servants.

Yun Baolin was promoted by Noble Consort Wang's faction to gain favor, and she certainly wouldn't want her to have contact with Consort Mi's side again. Moreover, given Min Chongyi's hatred for Consort Lian, if she saw Consort Lian's maid delivering gifts to Yun Baolin, she would surely be even more displeased.

According to Consort Lian's words, could it be that Consort Lian's maid offended Min Chongyi after going to Zhuixia Palace and was beaten to death?

The matter of executing a maid in the palace could be big or small.

If no one knew, it could be covered up with any excuse, but if it became a big issue, execution would require a serious offense, not just a momentary whim.

If I recall correctly, Lian Meiren specifically mentioned sending the pair of gold hairpins she had previously gifted to Lian Meiren, which is quite intriguing.

The Empress looked at Lian Meiren below the hall, slightly narrowing her eyes, suddenly realizing that Lian Meiren did not seem as weak and incompetent as she had imagined.

She repeatedly referred to the Empress as the mother of all the people, clearly intending to escalate the matter and not let Min Chongyi off easily.

However, the life and death of the palace servant are still uncertain, and Min Chongyi is unlikely to willingly admit guilt.

But—

The faction of Noble Consort Wang has long been a source of annoyance for her. If Lian Meiren truly has the capability to cut off one of Noble Consort Wang's arms, she wouldn't mind going along with it.

In the hall, Min Chongyi turned pale with anger upon hearing Su Jiaojiao's words, "What do you mean by this? Are you suggesting that I killed your palace servant?"

Early in the morning, such an incident occurred, and the concubines who came to pay their respects all frowned, exchanging glances without speaking.

The Phoenix Palace does not tolerate such commotion. The Empress immediately turned cold and reprimanded, "Min Chongyi! This is my Phoenix Palace. I have not spoken yet, are you trying to turn the world upside down?"

Su Jiaojiao's frail body trembled as she knelt on the ground, contrasting sharply with Min Chongyi's harshness, making her appear even more delicate and pure.

Just as the atmosphere was tense, someone hurriedly entered from outside, whispering something to Yu He, the head palace servant of the Phoenix Palace, who then turned and softly informed the Empress.

Upon hearing this, the Empress immediately frowned and said gravely, "Lian Meiren, the missing palace servant from your Puxiang Palace has been found."

Su Jiaojiao looked up in surprise, her voice slightly louder, "Luo Luo has been found?"

At the mention of Luo Luo's name, Noble Consort Wang's expression changed for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure. On the other hand, Min Chongyi, who had been falsely accused, breathed a sigh of relief. She knew she hadn't killed the girl—how could she have died so suddenly?

Just as she was about to explain, the Empress added, "She was found drowned in the Thousand Carp Lotus Pond and is now at the gate of Guanju Palace."

Hearing this tragic news, Su Jiaojiao immediately collapsed to the ground.

Her tears fell like broken strings as she pleaded, "Please, Your Majesty, ensure that an innocent person is not wrongfully killed."

The Empress sighed with regret, "Whether it is a palace servant, a eunuch, or a commoner, they are all subjects of our dynasty. The palace rules are strict, and if anyone disregards human life, I will not let it go."

"Lian Meiren, as her mistress, go see her one last time. I also need to send someone to verify the true cause of her death, to ensure no one is wronged." The Empress stood up and said solemnly, "That's all for today. Min Chongyi and Noble Consort Wang, stay."

Min Chongyi immediately became anxious, saying, "Your servant did not kill her palace servant, Your servant only..."

The Empress gave her a sharp look, "Only what? A life lies at the gate of Guanju Palace. Min Chongyi, you go and take a good look!"

With that, the Empress swept her sleeves and led the way to the gate of Guanju Palace. Su Jiaojiao, supported by Ling Xiao, stood up shakily and followed behind the Empress.

At the gate of Guanju Palace, Luo Luo lay on a stretcher, covered with a white cloth.

Su Jiaojiao's trembling hand reached to lift the cloth from her face, and with just one glance, she was terrified, almost vomiting. Her pale, delicate face turned even whiter, and tears poured out. Ling Xiao quickly supported her to stand aside.

The body had been soaked overnight, covered in green algae and black mud. Her face was so swollen it was almost unrecognizable, her eyes reduced to slits, yet they seemed to stare wide open, like a dead fish, sending shivers down one's spine.

The Empress glanced and immediately turned her face away, covering her mouth with a handkerchief, signaling the palace servants to cover the cloth.

Soon, the coroner arrived and examined Luo Luo, bowing and saying, "Your Majesty, the deceased has severe slap marks on her face, and her entire face is severely swollen. Her nasal cavity and lungs are filled with water. The preliminary judgment is death by drowning."

"Drowning?" The Empress looked at Su Jiaojiao, pausing slightly.

Su Jiaojiao reacted quickly, her voice immediately filled with sobs, "Your Majesty, how could a normal person drown while walking? Look at Luo Luo's face, so swollen it's almost unrecognizable, her eyes swollen like walnuts."

"I would like to ask, why did Min Chongyi beat her to such a state? Was it because Luo Luo truly did something wrong, or was it because Min Chongyi dislikes me and thus dealt a fatal blow?"

Su Jiaojiao's tears streamed down her face, her eyes red, her usually delicate face filled with profound sorrow.

This was the reason she had Xiao Songzi personally drown Luo Luo.

In the palace, there were coroners who would investigate the cause of death whenever a murder occurred. If Luo Luo had been thrown into the Thousand Carp Lotus Pond after death, anomalies would inevitably be discovered during the autopsy.

But if Luo Luo had been drowned, no matter how Min Chongyi tried to defend herself, she would not escape suspicion.

Whether Min Chongyi ordered Luo Luo to be drowned and then thrown into the Thousand Carp Lotus Pond, or Min Chongyi severely punished Luo Luo, causing her to fall into the pond late at night.

In either case, she could not escape blame.

Not far away, Min Chongyi was also extremely unsettled by the sight of Luo Luo's death.

She knew she had not killed Luo Luo, but it was true that she disliked the fact that the Lian Meiren had slapped her maid. In her nervousness, she raised her voice to explain: "Your Majesty, Luo Luo offended me by disrespecting her superiors, which is why I had her slapped! But this was only to teach her a lesson! I absolutely did not kill her! I did not!"

The Empress's expression turned slightly cold, clearly displeased with Min Chongyi's actions.

"Even if you did not kill Luo Luo, with the body here, you cannot escape responsibility! You are one of the Nine Concubines, the mistress of a palace, and should set an example for the harem! How could you be so cruel! I would like to ask you, was it Luo Luo who offended you, or did you take advantage of the situation to cause trouble! This has cost a life!"

Faced with the Empress's questioning, Min Chongyi's face grew paler, unsure how to refute.

The morning sun was already scorching, bleaching the palace paths white.

Just as the atmosphere was tense and heated, from the side of the palace path.

Shen Huai's imperial carriage silently emerged from around the corner.

His expression was cold, looking down at Min Chongyi from above, silent for a long while.

Su Jiaojiao's tear-streaked eyes quietly looked at the Emperor. Though she said nothing, the grievance in her eyes was even more pronounced.

The Emperor's expression suggested he had been listening for a while, but no one knew how long he had been listening or what he had heard. Min Chongyi's face immediately turned ashen.

The Empress was the first to greet the Emperor, then said softly, "Your Majesty, I am here handling palace affairs for the Lian Meiren, causing you concern."

Though Shen Huai's expression was indifferent, the disgust in his eyes when looking at Min Chongyi was unmistakable. His voice was deep as he said, "The Empress has done well."

Rarely praised by the Emperor, the Empress's heart was filled with joy. She curtsied to the Emperor again, a relieved smile on her face.

Shen Huai shifted his gaze, looking far beyond the crowd at Su Jiaojiao, who stood there crying with red eyes, his heart growing even more restless.

Though he did not know why, Shen Huai was very clear that he did not like to see her cry over other matters.

Those unique and beautiful eyes should only smile at him, cry softly when he bullied her, her joys and sorrows should only be because of him, that was what made him happy.

Shen Huai stared at Su Jiaojiao for a long while, then extended a hand from the dragon carriage with utmost elegance, casually saying, "Jiaojiao, come here."