The Imperial Garden was abuzz with laughter and joy, as the concubines displayed their talents, vying for attention and beauty. The Empress, noticing a hint of annoyance on Consort Shu's face, assumed she was still fretting over trivial matters like the broken cup.

The Empress smiled and said, "Today the Imperial Garden is ablaze with blossoms, a picturesque scene. It is truly a joy for me and all my sisters to enjoy this beautiful scene together. To enhance the atmosphere, I would like to invite Concubine He Shu from the Rouyi Palace to showcase her talents and add some color to this flower viewing occasion. I wonder if you, my sister, would be willing to bring us a wonderful performance?"

Upon hearing this, all the princes, grandchildren, princesses and ministers immediately echoed her sentiments and were full of expectations for Concubine Shu's talents.

Despite her frustrations, Concubine Shu remained extremely humble, softly saying, "Your Majesty, I am so grateful for your kindness. My limited talent and knowledge make me unfit for such a prestigious occasion. It would be my great honor to contribute to this grand occasion." With these words, Concubine Shu arrived with graceful steps, like a fairy. Her long sleeves fluttered like clouds chasing the moon, her figure graceful and elegant, like a willow swaying in the wind. Her slender waist twisted like a silver snake, each movement perfectly timed and exquisitely graceful. Her eyes shone with a radiant light, each movement full of charm, each smile captivating, like a fairy from a painting. Her dance was graceful and elegant, as if she were treading on clouds, captivating the audience. At the end of her performance, the crowd was captivated by her beauty and talent, and cheers filled the air.

However, this seemingly gentle and docile Concubine Shu was in reality a two-faced person. She appeared respectful to the Empress, but inwardly she coveted the throne. Though she appeared humble, she secretly gloated, "Hmph, just this one song and this one dance will surely earn the Emperor's favor even more. Sooner or later, the throne will be mine." She glanced slightly to the side, exchanging a glance with a trusted maid beside her. The maid understood, knowing her master's thoughts were deepening.

The ministers were full of praise. One of them stepped forward and said respectfully, "Her Majesty Shufei is both virtuous and talented. She is worthy of being the descendant of the famous family of the Minister of Rites. Her talent and grace are beyond the reach of the position of Shufei. With her character and talent, she deserves the position of Imperial Concubine." The ministers echoed and agreed. It was obvious that everyone wanted to curry favor with the powerful Shufei.

One of the concubines smiled flatteringly and said, "Your Majesty, your talent is unparalleled. From now on, we will all rely on your care."

Another minister quickly agreed: "Yes, yes, Your Majesty is so outstanding, she will surely be blessed with great fortune in the future."

Just as everyone was enthusiastically praising Concubine Shu, black smoke suddenly billowed in the distance, ruining the atmosphere and dampening everyone's excitement. Seeing this, the Emperor frowned and asked, "What's going on?" No one dared to speak. The Emperor turned to his personal eunuch, who replied, "Looking from the direction, it seems to be coming from the 'Canxin Palace'." At this point, Liu Changzai, who had been attached to Concubine Shu, hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, it seems to be coming from Concubine Su, who used witchcraft to persecute your Majesty. She should have been executed, but out of Your Majesty's mercy, she spared her life. This has truly dampened everyone's excitement."

Everyone echoed one after another: "Yes, Your Majesty, it is really disrespectful for Concubine Su to be so restless in the cold palace." "Your Majesty, she should be severely punished to correct the palace rules." They were all eager to express their position in front of Concubine Shu in order to gain future benefits.

The emperor's face was gloomy, and he shouted angrily: "Come here, throw him into the Sky Prison and interrogate him strictly."

After the emperor issued the order, Concubine Shu pleaded with a look of benevolence and righteousness, "Your Majesty, this may be a misunderstanding. Concubine Su may not have done it intentionally. I hope Your Majesty will be lenient with her." Everyone quickly echoed Concubine Shu, "Your Majesty, your majesty is kind and gracious. You are truly a role model for us."

The eunuch, armed with the imperial edict, hurried to the cold palace where Su Jin lay. Meanwhile, Xiao Taozi was still struggling to light a fire in the stove, her face stained black with smoke. Su Jin, wearing several patched clothes, meticulously tended to her vegetable seedlings in the garden.

Seeing the imperial edict, Xiao Taozi was overjoyed, hoping that the emperor would change his mind and pardon Concubine Xian. She was so excited that her body trembled slightly, and a glimmer of hope flashed in her eyes.

The moment Su Jin saw the imperial edict, her heart lit up, her eyes suddenly widened, and a hint of surprise flashed across her face. She thought to herself: "I have finally attracted the emperor's attention. Even if I am thrown into prison, there may be a chance of recovery." But she quickly restrained her expression and returned to her normal dignified state, her eyes calm and firm.

The eunuch's face was full of impatience, and he shouted in a shrill voice: "Hmph! You two are ignorant of the immensity of heaven and earth! The black smoke you created in this cold palace disturbed His Majesty's interest in appreciating the flowers, and you committed a crime of disrespect! According to the palace rules, you have offended the emperor and disturbed his majesty's interest, so you will be thrown into the Heavenly Prison and strictly interrogated!" Who would have thought that Concubine Su's words would come true, and she was not just thrown into the Heavenly Prison, but actually ended up in the Heavenly Prison.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Taozi was terrified, her face pale, her legs weak, and her whole body shaking like a sieve. Tears flowed like a flood, unable to be stopped. She kept blaming herself, "Sister, it's all my fault. I was so stupid. I didn't light the fire properly, and that's why you got involved. How could I be so stupid? If I had been more careful, I wouldn't have gotten you involved. If anything had happened to you, I'd be dead."

Su Jin looked calm and composed. He gently patted Xiao Taozi's shoulder and said softly, "Don't be afraid, sister."

After that, the two of them followed the eunuch's stern urging reluctantly to the Heavenly Prison.

Along the way, Xiao Taozi's crying was heartbreaking. Although Su Jin was a little nervous, he still pretended to be calm and thought about how to deal with the next situation.

Arriving at the prison, the dark, damp environment was oppressive. Rats scurried around in the corners, and cockroaches crawled freely along the walls. Su Jin and Xiao Taozi were shoved into a tiny cell filled with nothing but a pile of moldy straw.

Little Taozi curled up in the corner, her body trembling constantly, and she kept muttering to herself: "Sister, it's all my fault, it's all my fault..."

Su Jin sat next to Xiao Taozi and said softly, "Sister, don't blame yourself so much. This may be an opportunity for us. As long as I can see the emperor, I will find a way to plead our case."

Xiao Taozi raised her tearful face and looked at Su Jin: "Sister, is there really a way?"

Su Jin nodded firmly: "Believe in my sister."

At this time, Concubine Shu in the palace was enjoying the flattery of the people with great pride. She fantasized that she would soon replace the queen.

After the incident in the Imperial Garden, the Emperor felt somewhat troubled. He recalled the past events of Concubine Su Xian and felt somewhat puzzled.

In the prison, Su Jin and Xiao Taozi await an unknown fate...

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