Chapter 60: The Black Pill

Chapter 60: The Black Pill

"His Majesty is here—!"

After such a major incident, Su Jiaojiao was preoccupied all day.

When they arrived at Pixiang Palace, Yu Ying noticed her mistress deep in thought, her brow furrowed, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Assisting her to the main seat, Yu Ying glanced at the table of lunch in the side hall and softly asked, "Mistress, it's almost time for dinner in half an hour, and you barely touched your lunch. Should I have the Shangshi Bureau reheat the food? No matter how big the problem, you still have to eat."

Since her mistress entered the palace, the disturbances within the palace had never ceased.

The many overt and covert plots against her life were mostly avoided by her mistress's wit, but even the best can slip up, and Yu Ying could clearly see her current unease and anxiety.

Usually, her mistress appeared calm and composed, rarely showing signs of panic. Although today's incident centered around Noble Consort Wang, there must be something else going on that even her intelligent mistress couldn't figure out.

As her close attendant, all Yu Ying could do was take the best care of her.

Su Jiaojiao glanced at the lunch in the side hall with no appetite.

She couldn't figure out who was behind it, so she couldn't take targeted precautions.

This feeling of danger lurking nearby while she was floundering was deeply unsettling.

After a long silence in the hall, she took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down, and said coldly, "Heat up a bowl of soup. The rest can be shared with all the palace servants in Pixiang Palace to celebrate my birthday. Also, remember one thing: everyone must come, no exceptions."

Yu Ying was momentarily taken aback but quickly replied, "Yes."

As she left the hall, Yu Ying recalled her mistress's tone and felt a sinking feeling in her heart, knowing there was more to her words. She immediately went to the side room to find Ling Xiao and the others, repeating the instructions.

The four of them split the tasks and gathered all the palace servants scattered around Pixiang Palace in the courtyard.

Ling Xiao headed straight to the back quarters of Pixiang Palace to call out the resting maids, smiling as she said, "Today is our mistress's birthday, but something happened, so a large table of food was left untouched. Our mistress is thoughtful and wants everyone in Pixiang Palace to share in the meal. We need to go to the inner hall now."

Some of the lower-ranking maids had never set foot in the inner hall since they entered Pixiang Palace and were overjoyed, whispering, "A birthday feast personally arranged by His Majesty must be incredibly lavish! Only our mistress is so kind and generous, always thinking of us."

Ling Xiao looked over the maids in the inner hall. Two were happily chatting, but one sitting on the bed avoided eye contact and said softly, "Aunt Ling Xiao, I'm not feeling well today and can't leave my bed. I might ruin our mistress's celebration, so I won't go."

She then looked up and smiled, "With one less person, there'll be more food to go around."

As a lower-ranking maid, she usually had simple meals and did menial tasks outside the hall, rarely having access to anything good.

Although the mistress was favored, and the palace servants of Pixiang Palace were respected, as a lower-ranking maid, she received few benefits and was not heavily relied upon.

Now, having the chance to be close to the mistress and share a meal was not something that happened often.

Most palace servants would jump at such an opportunity to show loyalty, so why was she making excuses to avoid it?

Ling Xiao thought it odd but kept a calm smile, persuading, "Our mistress isn't bothered by such formalities. Otherwise, as servants, how could we have the privilege of dining with her? If you don't go, our mistress might feel upset."

The two maids beside her nudged her, chattering, "Yes, yes, it's rare for our mistress's birthday, and Pixiang Palace is in favor. Qian Xia, you can't refuse our mistress's kindness. Besides, your period doesn't usually cause pain, right? How come you're feeling unwell today? Are you really that unlucky?"

Hearing this, Ling Xiao's smile grew colder.

She didn't show it but instead said gently, "Alright, everyone, hurry up and get ready. Our mistress has ordered that everyone must come today without delay."

The maid named Qian Xia paled, hesitated for a while, and wanted to say something, but the maid beside her quickly pulled her up, urging, "Qian Xia, hurry up, don't dawdle. If you delay, you'll be in hot water."

Ling Xiao gave Qian Xia a deep look, "Gather in the courtyard. Aunt Yu Ying will take you all in together."

She lifted the curtain and left the lower quarters, hurried into the inner hall, and whispered into Su Jiaojiao's ear.

Hearing this, Su Jiaojiao's heart sank. She asked, "When did Qian Xia arrive at the palace? Has she ever acted strangely?"

Ling Xiao replied in a low voice, "She arrived when you were first appointed as a Beauty, and she's always been obedient and honest. If it weren't for her odd behavior today, I wouldn't have thought of her."

She arrived when I was first appointed as a Beauty... which means she came with Luo Luo.

When I was appointed as a Beauty, I had six palace maids and four eunuchs. Besides Yu Ying, Yu Ye, and Man Xia, who had been with me since the Yunwu Pavilion, the other three were Ling Xiao, Luo Luo, and Qian Xia.

Of these three, only Ling Xiao has earned my trust.

Could the other two be spies planted here?

I was appointed as a Beauty in March, and now it's November. Qian Xia has served me for eight months without any issues. Could it just be a coincidence?

Su Jiaojiao really didn't want to believe that Qian Xia, who always smiled sweetly at her, could be a spy planted by someone else. Her heart was increasingly conflicted.

She lowered her gaze, staring at the patterns on the carpet for a long time, then gently closed her eyes. "Keep an eye on her every move. If anything seems off, bring her to me."

In winter, the sky darkens early. Soon enough, the sky was pitch black. Each palace gradually lit candles, chasing away the darkness that had crept into the rooms.

All the palace servants of Pixiang Hall, led by Yu Ying, stood in the inner hall.

Su Jiaojiao, now a concubine, was entitled to fourteen palace servants.

Besides the ten from when she was appointed as a Beauty, one had died—Luo Luo—and the Inner Service Bureau had sent five more to make up the number.

Yu Ying, Yu Ye, Ling Xiao, and Ling Yun stood on either side, while the remaining twelve formed two rows of six, bowing in unison to Su Jiaojiao to celebrate her birthday.

"Your servants and slaves greet the mistress, celebrating her sixteenth birthday."

Su Jiaojiao smiled warmly, raising her hand. "Today was supposed to be a meal with His Majesty, but something happened in the palace, and His Majesty is upset, and all the palaces are in turmoil. Nevertheless, this table of delicacies from the Shangshi Bureau should not go to waste. I know you all work hard and meticulously, so I thought we could close the doors and celebrate this birthday together as mistress and servants."

"Our Pixiang Hall has many people, but fortunately, the inner hall is spacious enough to accommodate two tables."

After she finished speaking, Yu Ying coldly laid down the rules. "The mistress is kind, but the rules must still be followed. What happened in the Yutang Palace will soon spread throughout the palaces, and I won't hide it from you."

She stood in a commanding position beside Su Jiaojiao, scanning the people below. "The eldest prince of the Yutang Palace has been poisoned and is now unconscious. The mastermind behind this is still unknown. All palaces are keeping a low profile, afraid of causing any trouble. Our Pixiang Hall is already in the spotlight, with many eyes watching us. At this critical moment, we must be extra cautious in everything."

At this point, Yu Ying paused, glanced at Su Jiaojiao, and continued. "Today is the mistress's birthday, so we'll set aside the rules for now. Starting tomorrow, no one is allowed to interact with people outside Pixiang Hall, act alone, or bring in any suspicious items from outside. Each servant's quarters will have two people on duty. If anyone notices someone behaving suspiciously, they must report it to the mistress immediately, and the mistress will reward them generously."

"As servants, the most important thing is loyalty. The mistress has always been kind and generous to her servants, and you all know that. Even in the entire harem, you might not find a better mistress than ours. If anyone dares to be ungrateful, don't blame me for taking you to His Majesty. His Majesty cares deeply for the mistress, and if anyone betrays her, you know what the consequences will be!"

As Yu Ying spoke, Su Jiaojiao gently raised her cup and took a sip.

Even if she didn't know who the mastermind was, she had to guard against her own people first.

The incident with Luo Luo had taught her a great lesson, and she would never allow anything similar to happen again.

Today, she specifically called everyone to Pixiang Hall for two reasons.

First, to see if anyone would take advantage of the opportunity to act while everyone was away, and second, to establish rules that no one could act alone, squeezing the last bit of leniency into tonight.

If there was a spy in Pixiang Hall who poisoned the eldest prince and wanted to frame Su Jiaojiao.

After the rules were established today, that person would know that tonight was the last chance to act.

After tonight, no one would have any time alone, day or night, making it nearly impossible to act again.

Today was the perfect opportunity to act unnoticed, with everyone gathered and no guards outside the hall.

Su Jiaojiao aimed to flush out any hidden threats in her palace, waiting for her to let her guard down.

Qian Xia, whom she had just seen, was her primary suspect.

She set down her cup and discreetly observed Qian Xia, who was bowing with the others as Yu Ying spoke.

Ling Yun stepped out from behind the curtain, placing a bowl of soup before Su Jiaojiao, and whispered, "I simmered it in the side room; it’s ready for you, my lady."

"I’ve also prepared your favorites—steamed perch, crystal shrimp, and stir-fried greens—in the side room. Shall I bring them to you?"

Su Jiaojiao nodded, stirring the soup, and murmured, "Did you tell Xiao Songzi? With so many people here tonight, stay vigilant."

Ling Yun curtsied, holding the empty tray, and said, "We’ve all been alerted. No one will slip by unnoticed."

"I’ll join them to avoid raising suspicions."

Su Jiaojiao nodded, sipping her soup as Ling Yun joined the bustling side hall.

She couldn’t shake the Empress’s words from earlier, her suspicions growing stronger.

Was the Empress’s decision to send the Crown Prince to her palace about control or clearing her own name?

If not the Empress, then who?

Su Jiaojiao, puzzled, set down her spoon and stood at the door, peeking out at the moon.

It was the tenth day; the moon wasn’t full yet, with a sliver missing, like an invisible shadow overlapping it.

The cold wind swept through the door, jolting Su Jiaojiao awake and clearing her muddled thoughts.

With a clearer mind, Su Jiaojiao tried to see things from the Empress’s perspective.

What would drive her to act, even if it risked exposing her motives?

If she were the one plotting to kill Noble Consort Wang...

Su Jiaojiao’s eyes widened with realization.

If she were behind it, she’d ensure Noble Consort Wang’s death couldn’t be traced to her.

Likewise, if the Empress planned to poison the Crown Prince slowly, she’d make sure it couldn’t be tied to her.

Su Jiaojiao’s heart pounded as she gripped the door frame.

Where had she hidden the poison to slowly weaken the Crown Prince?

The Empress... a truly formidable foe.

Gazing at the moon, Su Jiaojiao recalled the jade pillow the Empress had given her, still by her bedside, and hurried to retrieve it.

Meanwhile, a dozen palace servants gathered around a large table, laughing and feasting as the dishes disappeared quickly.

Such fine meals were rare, so they ate slowly, savoring every bite with smiles of contentment.

Amid the chatter and laughter, some reactions went unnoticed.

Qian Xia quickly glanced around, picked up a piece of beef from the plate, and put it into her bowl. Before she could take a bite, she suddenly clutched her stomach and let out a soft groan, her face turned pale.

She was sitting at the edge, and only the maid next to her noticed her discomfort, leaning in to whisper, "Qian Xia, what's wrong?"

Qian Xia forced a smile and said, "I think I might have a leak... I need to go back to my room to change."

The maid next to her hesitated, watching the delicious food disappear quickly, torn between staying with her friend and the feast.

Qian Xia immediately whispered, "I'll bring a lantern and be back soon. This is a rare opportunity; you should eat."

With that, she stood up, clutching her abdomen, and just as she reached the bead curtain, Yu Ye spoke up, "Qian Xia, where are you going?"

Qian Xia blushed slightly and murmured, "I'm not feeling well; I need to go back to my room to change clothes..."

Her awkward demeanor caught the attention of a few eunuchs sitting nearby. Yu Ye immediately understood and laughed, "It's natural for women to have their periods; no need to be shy. Come on, let's go together."

Hearing Yu Ye's offer to accompany her, Qian Xia's eyes flashed with panic, and she stammered, "I'm changing clothes... Sister Yu Ye, watching me, I..."

Yu Ye, who was naturally cheerful and lively, had never put on airs in front of them. She immediately exclaimed, "To be honest, I love to eat, and today I ate too quickly. I'm not going with you for that reason, so don't be shy."

"You go your way, I'll go mine; we'll just walk together for a bit."

With that, Yu Ye stood up and waved to Qian Xia, "Don't forget to bring a palace lantern; it gets dark early in winter, and it's already pitch black outside."

Qian Xia had no choice but to follow Yu Ye, and as they walked out of the hall, she lit a palace lantern under the corridor.

The two walked outside together; the howling wind and sudden silence made Qian Xia nervous.

Her hand trembled slightly as she held the lantern, but fortunately, the cold wind made the lantern sway, masking her nervousness.

They walked side by side towards the back of Pixiang Hall, and Yu Ye, seeing the light at the restroom door ahead, said, "You go ahead; I'll head to the restroom."

Qian Xia finally breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Be careful, Sister Yu Ye. I'll go change clothes and be back soon. It's cold outside; you should go back quickly after you're done."

Yu Ye nodded with a smile, watching Qian Xia walk forward before turning towards the restroom.

Shortly after Yu Ye turned around, Qian Xia glanced back uneasily in Yu Ye's direction, making sure she had indeed entered the restroom, and then quickened her pace towards the lower quarters.

The lower-ranking maids and eunuchs lived in the lower quarters, divided into two large rooms with communal beds for them to sleep on.

Currently, Qian Xia shared a room with four other lower-ranking maids, her bedding against the wall, easy to spot upon entering.

Qian Xia hurriedly pushed the door open, using the lantern to illuminate the area under her bed, where a loose brick was hidden. She quickly placed the lantern on the ground, pried out the brick, and pulled out a black pill from inside.

She quickly changed her clothes, tucked the pill into her sleeve, restored her bed, grabbed the lantern, and hurried out the door in a panic, even forgetting to close the door to the lower quarters.

As she reached the back of Pixiang Hall, Qian Xia looked around to make sure no one was there, then hurried to the base of the wall, crouching down to bury the pill in the soil.

Just as she crouched down, she heard a rustling sound behind her, followed by a familiar male voice, and then Yu Ye's voice.

"So it's you!"

Qian Xia's face turned pale instantly, and she hastily dug into the soil, trying to bury the pill. But the person behind her reacted faster, as if he had been waiting for her, and snatched the pill from her grasp, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her forward, "Come with me to see the mistress!"

Qian Xia struggled desperately, her body leaning back, almost falling to the ground. She saw it was Xiao Songzi who had grabbed her and cried out, "Don't grab me, don't grab me, I just... I found this on the ground; I don't know what it is. It's not my fault!"

She tried to break free from Xiao Songzi's grip, her wrist ached from the tight grip, but Xiao Songzi's strength was immense, his hand like iron, firmly gripping her wrist.

She could only plead desperately, "Please, Sister Yu Ye, let me go!"

Yu Ye looked at her coldly: "You ungrateful fool, let's see if you can still be so defiant when we face the mistress!"

Xiao Songzi didn't even bother to respond, forcefully dragging her by the wrist into the chamber.

Su Jiaojiao was just coming out of the inner chamber with the jade pillow when she saw Xiao Songzi dragging Qian Xia, her expression immediately turned cold.

"So it was you all along."

Qian Xia's loud cries reached the palace servants dining in the side hall, and they all knew something was amiss in the palace. They immediately stopped eating, put down their chopsticks and stood respectfully by Su Jiaojiao's side, gazing at Qian Xia, tightly held by Xiao Songzi and tear-streaked, uncertain of what had happened.

Yu Ye took the black pill she had snatched from Xiao Songzi's hand, wrapped it in a handkerchief, and presented it to Su Jiaojiao, saying, "This is what Qian Xia sneaked off to obtain. Mistress, take a look. What is this?"

Su Jiaojiao held it in both hands, examining the black pill, but found it odorless and unidentifiable.

Realizing she couldn't discern anything, she wrapped the black pill and handed it back to Yu Ye, then looked at Qian Xia and said coldly, "Qian Xia, I have treated you well, and this is how you repay me?"

Qian Xia, realizing she couldn't hide it anymore, cried out, "Mistress, it was my own lack of integrity, my own wicked heart..."

Su Jiaojiao felt increasingly heartbroken and asked, "Tell me, who is behind this? Who put you up to it?"

Qian Xia shook her head, tears streaming down her face, "No one instructed me. It was my own jealousy of your favor and envy of your well-being that made me want to poison you!"

Yu Ying, standing to the side, said with a cold face, "If you intended to harm the mistress, why wait until today? The mistress has always been generous and benevolent. If you tell the truth, the mistress might still spare your life."

"If you don't confess and are sent to the disciplinary chamber, it will be worse than death!"

At the mention of the disciplinary chamber, Qian Xia's face turned pale with fear.

But she hesitated for only a moment, still insisting that she alone wished to harm Su Jiaojiao.

Faced with such a major incident, Su Jiaojiao naturally couldn't remain passive.

Most importantly, she had to report it to the Emperor immediately to prevent further complications.

Spies like Qian Xia were often ready to die, and she couldn't let Qian Xia die in Pixiang Palace tonight.

If she died in Pixiang Palace, the mastermind might claim that Su Jiaojiao orchestrated it herself, silencing her.

No matter how eloquent she was, it would only bring trouble upon her.

"Xiao Songzi, gag her!"

Su Jiaojiao said sternly, "Ling Xiao, go to the Tai Chi Hall now and inform the Emperor that poison was found in Pixiang Palace, intended to harm a palace concubine!"

Then she turned to Ling Yun, whispering, "Wait until Ling Xiao goes to the Tai Chi Hall before informing the Empress. Remember, only say that someone intended to harm a palace concubine, and don't mention anything else."

Ling Yun bowed in acknowledgment and left Pixiang Palace with Ling Xiao.

Earlier in the day, the Crown Prince had been poisoned, and now this incident occurred in Pixiang Palace at night.

The cold wind swept through the open doors of the hall, and despite it being winter, Su Jiaojiao felt a cold sweat on her back, sending shivers of fear through her.

Time seemed to pass especially slowly, each moment feeling like an eternity.

The winter night was dark and cold, and Su Jiaojiao stared into the darkness outside the hall, feeling as if she were falling into an icy abyss, an endless descent into despair.

After what seemed like an eternity, a loud announcement came from the front: "The Emperor has arrived—!"

Su Jiaojiao's tears fell in response.