Seizing the throne, abolishing the adopted son, the imperial concubine rose to prominence

No matter whether the women in the palace appear kind or vicious, they don't care much about human life. However, these dirty things are done by the people below, and they just need to get a result.

But now, someone was killed in front of them, which was indeed a shock.

"master?"

Amidst everyone's horror, Caifu cautiously looked at her master whose face was becoming increasingly paler.

But Concubine Zheng just waved her hand casually. It was just the death of an insignificant concubine, so she would not be scared. But this made her more suspicious.

Zhao Cainv's father worked under her father, so this matter was very easy to investigate.

"Your Majesty, a concubine committing suicide is a grave crime. And today, you have rashly disturbed your majesty. I beg Your Majesty to punish the Zhao family."

Concubine Zheng said with a cold expression.

"Your Highness, this Zhao Cainu would rather commit suicide than speak. Do you know why?"

Li Cairen said quietly beside him.

"It's not your turn as a talented person to speak before me. Zhao Cainu's father did serve under my father, but what does that mean?"

"Many of the sisters present here have some connections with the Zheng family. Could it be that if any of you sisters make mistakes in the future, they will all be linked to me?"

Concubine Zheng pinched Caifu's arm and forced herself to appear calm and stern.

"That's true, but that palace maid just now..."

Li Cairen said unwillingly.

"The Emperor is punishing me based solely on the words of a palace maid. Does the Empress also think this is the way it should be?"

In Concubine Zheng's eyes, even if Gu Youning was involved in today's events, it was under the leadership of the Queen.

Therefore, her attack was naturally directed at the Queen.

"Of course I don't want to believe Sister Zheng would do such a thing, but there are indeed some misunderstandings between Sister Zheng and Consort Gu, so it's normal for everyone to have doubts."

The queen still maintained that gentle expression.

"People in the harem always like to follow the crowd. This palace..."

Before Concubine Zheng could finish her words, she was interrupted by a low sob from behind.

"Why are you crying!"

Concubine Zheng was already angry about Zhao Cainv's betrayal, and her heart ached. When she saw that she was interrupted, she turned around impatiently and spoke angrily.

"I know I was wrong."

After hearing the rebuke, the sobbing concubine quickly put down her tearful hands and bowed respectfully.

Gu Youning turned his head and looked over. The woman looked unfamiliar and was usually silent, but her status was not low. She was Baolin Ge from Changning Palace.

"I only blame myself for not paying attention to Zhao Cainv's difficulties earlier. If Zhao Cainv's family hadn't been in trouble, she wouldn't have done such a foolish thing in her confused state."

As Ge Baolin spoke, he wiped away his tears again.

"What happened in Zhao Cainu's family?"

The Queen asked with a frown.

"A few days ago, Zhao Cainu said her father had made a serious mistake and was demoted and charged with a crime. She was very worried, but she couldn't help, so she could only worry in secret."

"She's been in a state of dismay these past two days. Although I've been able to speak to her, we're not close. I only offered a few perfunctory words of comfort. I didn't expect her to become so upset that she harbored resentment."

Gu Youning withdrew his gaze. Ge Baolin did not mention Concubine Zheng in any of his words, but in fact, his words confirmed that what Zhao Cainv did was instructed by Concubine Zheng, and she was forced to do it.

This should be the Queen's last move.

"You hu..."

Concubine Zheng swallowed the word "nonsense" in her heart.

"Miss."

Caifu felt the armor digging into her wrist, but she didn't dare cry out in pain. She just tried her best to support the person and gave a gentle reminder.

The master has no way to defend himself on this matter. Since Ge Baolin has said it, there is no doubt that it is true. With so many coincidences coming together, the suspicion on the master cannot be cleared at all.

But with the Duke here, the Emperor shouldn't punish me too harshly.

"Concubine..."

A soft call with a sigh came from the seat above.

"Your Majesty, my concubine..."

This soft call brought a look of hope and tenderness to Concubine Zheng's frosty face. She half leaned on Caifu and stared blankly at the emperor.

"Does this matter have anything to do with you?"

A trace of sadness flashed in the emperor's dark eyes.

It was this sense of sorrow that gave Concubine Zheng renewed strength.

She brushed off Caifu's hand and bowed solemnly: "What happened today has nothing to do with me. I just don't like Concubine Gu..."

"I believe you."

The emperor gently interrupted Concubine Zheng's explanation.

"emperor!"

This time, not only were the concubines below stunned, but even the queen raised her voice in an inappropriate manner.

Gu Youning below had already signaled to Lady Wen with his eyes not to speak.

"Your Majesty, this Zhao Cainu is clearly under the orders of the Imperial Concubine..."

Concubine Lu had just offended Concubine Zheng, so she was unwilling to resign at this moment. However, she was forced to shut up by the emperor's cold gaze as soon as she said a word.

"Your Majesty, I don't want to believe that this was Sister Zheng's doing, but now everything points to Sister Zheng. If I just let this matter go, I'm afraid the people in the six palaces will be dissatisfied. It would also be too unfair to Concubine Gu and the First Prince."

The queen stood up to advise, and at the end she glanced at Gu Youning.

She believed that since she had taken the lead, the Gu family would not miss this great opportunity.

Of course, Gu Youning knew what the queen was thinking. Last time, regarding the peony flower incident, Gu Youning was angry at Concubine Zheng even without any evidence. Today, Concubine Zheng put arsenic in her medicine, so she should be even angrier.

When the queen saw that the emperor listened to her words, her eyes unconsciously fell on Gu Youning, and she felt more at ease.

The emperor's true feelings for Gu Youning are now her greatest confidence.

"I have no objection. I will leave everything to the Emperor."

But how could Gu Youning let the queen get her wish?

"Gu Zhaoyi?"

The queen could hardly believe her ears.

"Your Majesty, deceiving the Emperor is a capital offense. I believe that Your Majesty would not lie to the Emperor."

Gu Youning forced a smile.

The queen was so angry that she almost died. She really overestimated Gu Youning. It turned out that this woman could only depend on men like a dodder. She handed the step here, and the emperor obviously cared about her, but he didn't dare to say a word.

"Okay, that's the end of the matter."

"Help the concubine sit down."

The emperor had the final say.

"Zhao Cainu plotted to murder the heir to the throne. Her entire clan should be executed. However, considering her mental disorder, I will pardon her family's death and exile the entire Zhao family to the north."

"As for Lu Yunu..."

"Your Majesty, I have something to say."

Gu Youning suddenly stood up and interrupted the emperor.

The emperor looked at the woman's stern expression, and hesitation flashed across his eyes. He had his own reasons for doing this today, but Ning'er didn't know.

Ning'er agreed with his opinion just now, and he was very relieved. Ning'er and he were in sync.

but……

The emperor moved his lips, but ultimately did not speak to stop him.

When he was in Jing'an Residence, he promised Ning'er that he would make the decision for her today no matter what, but now things have changed. He is not breaking his promise, but just wants to use a different method.

But the emperor didn't want to see the woman's disappointed and resentful eyes.

Seeing this, hope reappeared on the queen's face.

Is Gu regretting this?

"Your Majesty, Lu Yunv hasn't taken this bowl of medicine yet."