Transmigration: Reverse Exploitation, the System Works for Me

Jingren Palace.

As soon as the Empress returned, she immediately questioned Jianqiu: "What happened? Didn't I tell you to be more careful and not let the Emperor and the others in the harem find out anything?"

Jianqiu was also confused. "Your Majesty, I did indeed do as you instructed. I also repeatedly reminded Chef Chen."

"Moreover, those three medicines were personally given to Chef Chen by this servant. Judging from the amount Xiao Xiazi found, only a very small amount was used. Such a small dose might not be enough to make Zhen bleed."

Although Jianqiu was not a royal physician, she was experienced and knew exactly how much medicine to use and what effect to achieve.

The Empress's eyes flickered. "So, that means someone else has tried to harm Zhen Huan! Who could it be?"

Since Chef Chen hasn't used up much of his medicine, someone else must have put the poison in the wontons!

“The panic that Nian Shilan and Cao Qinmo showed in Suiyu Pavilion just now seemed genuine. Moreover, since they now hold the reins of power in the palace, if anything happens to the prince in Zhen Huan’s womb, they will inevitably be implicated.”

"Of the remaining people, Consort Jing is out of the question, Consort Qi doesn't have the brains or the ability, and Consort Zhuang..."

The Empress hesitated for a moment, "Although Consort Zhuang may not have such intentions, it is hard to say about Chunrong. If the child in Zhen Huan's womb is a prince, it will definitely take away the Emperor's favor from the Sixth Prince."

Chunrong was Consort Zhuang's elder sister, born of the same mother, and also the Sixth Prince's maternal aunt. Aside from this relationship, Chunrong's future depended on the Sixth Prince; how could she not plan for his future?

"Moreover, Chunrong has always been good at understanding the Empress Dowager's thoughts. The Empress Dowager is currently angry with Yun Shi and Zhen Huan and her daughter, and even has a lot of resentment and anger towards the Emperor. If we can make both sides feel bad, the Empress Dowager will definitely be happy."

Such a double-edged sword, though extremely rebellious and risky, offers astonishing rewards.

Jianqiu's heart skipped a beat. "Your Majesty, I have always observed that Chunrong is cautious in her actions and words. These are extraordinary times, after all. Does she really have the guts to do this?"

The mastermind behind the farce at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet hasn't been found yet, so even if Chunrong wanted to, she might not dare to act now. Even if she disregarded her own safety, she had to think more about Consort Zhuang and her son.

The Empress narrowed her eyes: "Although the Imperial Workshop is not a very important place, it still has a lot of dealings with the concubines. Flowers, plants, furniture, and imperial tributes are all things that can be tampered with in a way that is both discreet and not easily detected."

"Perhaps Zhen Huan's body had already accumulated a lot of blood-activating substances, but this morning's bowl of wontons with added ingredients just happened to trigger it."

"Although it is very risky to take action now, because Consort Zhuang has only been in charge of the manufacturing for a short time, she can use this as an excuse to escape punishment if she is discovered."

"But in this palace, many harmful things don't need to be made by one's own connections. The Imperial Workshop's storerooms have many fine items from the Shunzhi and Kangxi eras. For an old palace veteran like Chunrong, finding a few ready-made items to use is not difficult."

Jianqiu was startled: "If that's the case, then Zhongcui Palace is indeed highly suspicious. Your Highness, should we keep a close eye on Chunrong and catch her red-handed?"

The Empress shook her head. "No, now that the Emperor harbors resentment towards me, even if Consort Zhuang is gone, it will not be my turn to raise the Sixth Prince. However, we can have someone thoroughly investigate Chunrong's movements after she came in; perhaps we can use her in the future."

"Yes, this servant will have someone keep a close eye on Zhongcui Palace."

In Zhongcui Palace, Yu Ying'er was itching with curiosity, partly because she also wanted to know what was going on with Zhen Huan, and partly because she was furious that the person behind the scenes had almost implicated her.

Unfortunately, her older sister was not in the palace at the moment.

Yu Chonglin returned to Beijing yesterday, so they had to do something to show their appreciation.

Yu Ying'er had tables and chairs moved to the courtyard of Zhongcui Palace. She sat in the courtyard, propped her head up, and looked at the palace gate with a longing expression.

Every now and then he would say to the green bamboo beside him, "Is it almost noon?"

Qingzhu's lips twitched. "Your Majesty, you asked this just half a cup of tea ago. It's only just past Chenshi (7-9 AM). If you're really bored, why don't you go and play with the Sixth Prince for a while?"

Yu Ying'er lay listlessly on the table. "No, I'm not in the mood."

Qingzhu covered her mouth and smiled, "You should still go. The Sixth Prince can't be without you and Aunt. Usually, Aunt accompanies the Sixth Prince. Today, Aunt isn't here. If you don't go, the Sixth Prince will make a fuss."

The Sixth Prince had a loud voice; when he howled, it was quite a commotion.

Of course, she didn't dislike the Sixth Prince for being too noisy, but rather she was worried that he would hurt his voice.

Qingzhu gently comforted her, "Your Highness, please don't worry. Xiao Lezi has already gone out to inquire. Although she may not be able to find out the whole story, she should be able to find out some useful information. When Auntie returns, she will fill in any gaps for you."

My aunt had already entrusted some of her connections to them. Although she wasn't in the palace, it didn't stop them from gathering information. The problem was, they weren't particularly clever enough to piece together the fragmented information.

Yu Ying'er was inexplicably indignant, but she had no choice but to listen to the advice. "Waaah, my sister spoils that brat Xiao Liu so much. If she comes back and finds out that I made Xiao Liu wail all morning, she'll definitely teach her a lesson."

"Alright, alright, have someone bring the brat over here. I'll wait for Auntie to come back."

Hmph, when her sister comes back, she'll definitely tell all about it!

Outside the palace, Xi Qiao sat in the main seat of the Yu family's main hall, while Yu Chonglin, who had just recovered from a serious illness, sat to the lower seat.

Yu Chonglin's second wife, Ma, along with Yu's two sons and their wives, were also present.

Xi Qiao was representing Consort Zhuang when she left the palace. Although they were daughters of the Yu family, they were also members of the royal family. As the ruler, parents, and teachers, the Yu family members could only suppress their dissatisfaction.

Although there were many people in the main hall, no one spoke; the room was filled with silence.

Yu Chonglin was still considering how to speak. Now that he had returned to the capital due to illness, he had lost his official position. Although it had taken him more than ten years to rise to the fifth rank, he did not feel regret. Who wanted to go to that poor and desolate place in Shanxi? Anyway, he never wanted to go there again!

His status is different now!

Where can I possibly endure this injustice?

He is the father of Consort Zhuang, the current emperor, and the maternal grandfather of the Sixth Prince. He can be considered a member of the imperial family. It wouldn't be unreasonable for him to be appointed as the prefect or governor of a beautiful and prosperous place.

Ma was uneasy, knowing best what she had done after being promoted to the rank of official wife.

Her husband used to dote on her, but as he grew older and her looks faded, his affection and respect for her were worn away. Now he has quite a few other women in his backyard.

If Consort Zhuang and Yu Lu (the original owner's real name) were to harbor thoughts of revenge, Yu Chonglin, that heartless and ungrateful man, might not protect her and her four children.

Yu Peng and Yu He, the two sons of the Yu family, were completely unaware of their birth mother's worries, their hearts filled only with the joy of their impending rise to prominence!

The two daughters-in-law of the Yu family, however, surprisingly empathized with Madam Ma.