Chapter 46

Chapter 46 Inside Pearl Pavilion, Concubine Han's maidservant Hong Nao lifted the curtain and entered. She glanced around before lowering her voice. "Mistress, thank goodness you reacted in time. They've already discovered traces over at Xiachi Courtyard and are questioning people right now." Concubine Han held a jade fan, waving it gently. Her posture was alluring and graceful, her jade wrist lowering as the fan swayed, as if a fragrant breeze wafted through the air. When she spoke, her voice carried infinite tender charm. "Has everything been arranged with Qiuyu?" Hong Nao nodded. "Her entire family is in the Marquis of Zhongyong's household. She would never dare betray us." As long as Qiuyu died, the trail would be cut off, and they could not continue investigating. As for who else had handled things in between, that was not important. What mattered was that Qiuyu was Concubine Ning's person—the poison had been planted by Concubine Ning! Concubine Han said with pity, "If she goes early, she can both protect her family and fulfill her loyalty." Her voice was infinitely gentle and affectionate, yet when she spoke of human life, it was like discussing a thin sheet of paper. Torn is torn. Bone-chilling coldness. "Qiuyu was a piece Concubine Ning had buried for years, and just like that, she's gone." Hong Nao said with some regret, "It won't be easy to interfere with matters at Xiachi Courtyard again in the future." Qiuyu had originally been cultivated by Concubine Ning for years, prepared to deal with the Princess Consort. By chance, she had been given to Fang Yuan'er. Now Fang Yuan'er's pregnancy was still intact, yet Qiuyu had been lost—truly a pity. Such useful pieces diminished with each use. Concubine Han was completely unconcerned, stroking her bright red nail polish. "Gone is gone. It's not like she was my person anyway. As long as it doesn't implicate me." Hong Nao smiled. "You originally did nothing at all, Mistress. How could you possibly be implicated?" Concubine Han said indifferently, "After this incident, Concubine Ning probably won't survive." Hong Nao was momentarily stunned. "After all, she has the Eldest Young Master. Would the Princess Consort dare to kill her?" "It's probably not the Princess Consort—it's the Prince." Concubine Han had been in the residence for over a month now and had finally begun to understand Prince Jing's temperament. "Our Prince is not one to hesitate or waver. Concubine Ning has overstepped her bounds time and again, already trampling on the Prince's bottom line." Hong Nao felt this topic was not good to continue, so she quickly changed the subject. "This servant must congratulate you, Mistress. You've obtained Concubine Ning's network without expending any effort at all." Hong Nao smiled. "Thinking of it this way, even if Concubine Ning dies, she dies a worthy death." Concubine Han gave a mocking smile. "Without expending any effort? When has the world ever offered such a good deal?" "Concubine Ning gave me her network, first, hoping I would protect the Eldest Young Master in the future, and second... she also wanted to use my hands to stir up the waters of Prince Jing's inner courtyard." Hong Nao said, "You are someone destined to become a Concubine Consort, Mistress. You'll have to wade into troubled waters sooner or later. Rather than being dragged in passively, it's better to seize the initiative yourself." "You truly are my girl." Concubine Han smiled charmingly. This was her acknowledgment of Hong Nao's words. Having said that, Concubine Han raised her hand and touched her lower abdomen. A hint of worry crept onto her brow. "No matter how much scheming I do, it can never compare to having a cooperative belly." If she could become pregnant early, the position of Concubine Consort would be within easy reach—why would she need to risk getting involved in Concubine Ning's poisoning affair? Hong Nao spoke to comfort her. "Don't worry, Mistress." "Lv Yu went to Qingzhu Courtyard the other day to inquire—Concubine Li has also just finished her monthly cycle." Concubine Han gave a light snort. "That's true. Whether it's early or late isn't so important—as long as I conceive before Li does!" Hong Nao thought of how her mistress had just absorbed Concubine Ning's people, and her heart stirred with ideas. "Mistress, why not think of some ways to keep Concubine Li from conceiving?" Concubine Han was also tempted, but after a long moment, she shook her head. "Not for now." "These are troubled times. It's not suitable to make a move. We'll wait a while." After all, she had only just entered the residence. There was still a long road ahead. The Princess Consort had just arrived at Xiachi Courtyard with her people when she heard a young maidservant rush over shouting, "Mistress, something terrible has happened!" "Sister Qiuyu has smashed her head against the wall and killed herself!" The Princess Consort paused, then walked into the main courtyard with an unchanged expression. She saw Fang Yuan'er, looking extremely unwell, dressed in full formal attire with meticulously applied makeup, and inwardly shook her head. Saving face at the cost of one's own suffering. Both had been poisoned. Over at Concubine Xie's side, she wore no hair ornaments, her ink-black hair half falling loose, exuding fragility and gentleness—even the Princess Consort felt three parts more pity looking at her. Consort Fang's complexion was far worse than Concubine Xie's, yet she insisted on dressing up to maintain appearances. If the Princess Consort were Prince Jing, she wouldn't feel pity at all—she would likely think Consort Fang didn't take the child in her belly seriously, insisting on putting on a brave front. Just as she was thinking this, Prince Jing arrived. Sure enough, Prince Jing's first reaction upon seeing Fang Yuan'er was to frown. "Your complexion is so poor—why aren't you lying in bed resting?" If not for considering that Fang Yuan'er's body was too weak, Prince Jing's words would likely have been far harsher. Hearing this, Fang Yuan'er reddened her eyes with grievance. "My Lord, someone is trying to kill me!" Prince Jing thought to himself, if Fang kept carrying on like this, even without anyone trying to harm her, her own life would hardly be guaranteed. His expression turned unpleasant. "Qiuxiang, take good care of your mistress." "Get to the point!" Qiuxiang hurriedly supported Fang Yuan'er. "To report to Your Highness, this afternoon the imperial physician discovered that the water in Guanyuechi had been poisoned." "The poison is identical to the one used by Concubine Xie. Dissolved in water, concealed by the scent of lotus blossoms, it can kill silently without a trace. My mistress was terrified by it." At the mention of lotus blossoms, the Princess Consort recalled the incident in the flower house where they had tried to curry favor with Fang Yuan'er, and her brow furrowed slightly. It seemed this matter would inevitably involve Manager Chen of the flower house. Though inwardly annoyed with Concubine Ning, the Princess Consort maintained a composed demeanor on the surface. "I just heard that Qiuyu from your courtyard slammed herself against the wall and took her own life. What happened?"