The Changchun Palace team travels back in time to Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace

On the day the matter was resolved, Shuangxi took a box to the Department of Criminal Justice.

He looked at Ling Yunche, who was lying on the meadow in a sorry state after being flogged, his left hand still wrapped in thick gauze, and chuckled to himself.

(The following dialogue is quoted from the original drama, with some parts omitted.)

She still put on a sincere and even sorrowful expression, opened the box, revealing the soapberries inside, and, with the skill of chanting a divine incantation, loudly proclaimed in a affected tone, "Consort Xian knows that you have suffered injustice and distress, so she asked me to bring you soapberries."

His voice was booming, and his words pierced through the prison cell and resounded throughout the Imperial Prison.

The official and the venerable old woman, filled with both fear and irresistible curiosity, secretly peeked over. The watchdogs on the sticky pole also became alert.

Even while lying down, Ling Yunche still tried to look up at the ceiling and said, "Your Highness, does Consort Xian wish for me to be free from worries?"

Both of them were surprised.

However, since someone is so eager to pin the blame on him, wouldn't it be tactless of him not to cooperate?

Shuangxi continued loudly, "The soapberry tree is resistant to wind and drought, and also to cold and dampness. I hope that Guard Ling, wherever he is, can endure the hardships for a while and plan for the future. Her Majesty also said something: 'You left in an undignified manner. If you want to come back, you must do so with dignity and respect.'"

Ling Yunche's eyes seemed to clear a little: "Does Your Majesty wish for my return?"

Shuangxi's voice boomed: "Of course! Do you expect me to leave you in the Mulan Hunting Grounds, ruining everything and leaving you to fend for yourself?"

Ling Yunche said gratefully, "I have no way to repay Consort Xian's kindness. Please thank Consort Xian on my behalf."

(End of quote)

Wearing shackles, Ling Yunche limped toward the gate of the Shenxing Division under the escort of guards.

He saw Zhao Jiuxiao being half-supported and half-dragged out of the prison by the guards.

Zhao Jiuxiao looked haggard, with several whip marks across his head and face. He was haphazardly covered with his outer clothes, and bloodstains could be vaguely seen under his clothes.

Ling Yunche sighed inwardly. He remembered drinking with Zhao Jiuxiao before, and hearing him lament that Lan Cui wouldn't even glance at him, he had advised him to stay away from the people of Chengqian Palace. It seemed Zhao Jiuxiao hadn't taken it to heart, which was why he had been so blinded by beauty and disregarded brotherhood, leading to his current predicament.

He asked his escorts to do him a favor and allow him to speak a few words with his old friend.

Although the others were impatient, they felt that this person was probably a bit crazy, so they didn't dare to provoke him and acquiesced.

Ling Yunche walked with difficulty toward Zhao Jiuxiao and said calmly, "Jiuxiao, although you have abandoned your principles, we are brothers, and I am willing to forgive you."

Zhao Jiuxiao's face turned ashen, and he forced out through gritted teeth, "I don't have a brother like you!"

Ling Yunche was taken away, and Zhao Jiuxiao was also taken to a secluded palace gate.

Every step he took aggravated his injuries. Coupled with his grief and anger, his blood rushed to his head, making him dizzy and lightheaded. He gritted his teeth and barely made it to the palace gate.

But at the palace gate stood a palace maid, dressed in the black dress of a lower-ranking maid, wearing a dark purple floral cloak with a hood covering her face, and carrying a bundle in her hands.

Zhao Jiuxiao recognized it at a glance as Lan Cui.

He was so ashamed to have his disheveled appearance exposed to the person he admired that he turned his face away.

Lan Cui didn't care. She simply handed the loose silver to the two guards escorting Zhao Jiuxiao and said, "Brothers, Zhao Jiuxiao's friend in Kunning Palace packed up his things and asked me to pass them on to him. Please do me a favor."

After the two men received the money, they stepped back. Lan Cui handed the bundle to Zhao Jiuxiao, then took out a porcelain bottle from her sleeve and stuffed it into his hand, whispering, "There's silver in the bundle. Go and get a doctor to check your injury. This bottle contains Baiyao, which is best for stopping bleeding and removing bruises."

She seemed to be in a hurry; after giving him the things, she turned to leave.

Zhao Jiuxiao called her softly, "Miss Lancui."

Lan Cui stopped in her tracks and turned around: "Is there anything else?"

Zhao Jiuxiao had a thousand words to say but didn't know where to begin, so he finally only said, "Thank you."

Lan Cui said there was no need and left in a hurry.

She returned to Chengqian Palace, changed into the clothes of a head palace maid, and helped Yanwan put on her clothes.

Today is the day of Hailan's execution. The emperor had personally ordered that all the concubines, head maids, and eunuchs in the palace must go to witness the execution. On this somber day, Yanwan did not wish to dress up much, but simply wore a silver-white robe embroidered with lotus flowers, her hair tied up with a silver hairpin and adorned with some simple pearl flowers.

After getting dressed, Chun Chan, Lan Cui, and Wang Chan escorted Yan Wan to Jingren Palace. The Emperor said that Cuiyun Pavilion was also a hall of Chonghua Palace, and he was afraid that the blood of criminals would taint Chonghua Palace. Therefore, he specially ordered the Jingren Palace, which had been closed for a long time, to be opened, and Hai Lan was punished in the courtyard of Jingren Palace.

Jingren Palace had been closed for a long time, overgrown with weeds, and desolate. The emperor and empress could only have two chairs brought out to sit in the courtyard, while the other concubines had to stand under the eaves.

Ruyi was granted permission to leave Cuiyun Pavilion and was standing at the end of the corridor, side by side with Consort E. Her face was swollen, and she wore a dark blue silk embroidered with five red plum blossoms in a qipao, with a dark gold embroidered cloak over it. She wore a gemstone-inlaid gold ring and enamel-inlaid kingfisher-blue crystal nail polish on her hands, making her stand out among the plainly dressed concubines.

In the past, there was a punishment in the palace called "One-Zhang Red," which involved using a two-inch-thick, five-foot-long board to beat the area below the waist, without counting the number of blows, until the tendons and bones were broken and the flesh was mangled. Although the number of blows was not counted, in practice, the purpose was often achieved after more than a hundred strokes. If someone like Zhang Nianzu had already suffered severe punishment, he would die before a hundred strokes were needed.

After two hundred strokes of the cane, even if he survives, he'll probably be crippled.

Moreover, the emperor was worried that the executioners might not have enough strength, so he specially summoned ten of the strongest eunuchs, divided into five groups of two, to take turns carrying out the execution. He also ordered ginseng soup to be prepared in advance, in case Hailan fainted or died during the execution.

Yingluo thought to herself, "If this old man used half of his energy for tormenting people on real matters, would he still be afraid of not handling the previous dynasty well?"

Hailan was dragged here. She denied everything and cursed the Empress and the concubines. Everyone in the Imperial Prison was terrified. Therefore, although Granny Jingqi interrogated her according to the law, she used the most severe punishments stipulated by law. After a few days, Hailan was covered in wounds.

Even the Empress and Consort Chun, who had suffered the most at the hands of Hailan, were somewhat moved by the tragic scene.

Hailan was forced to kneel on the ground. When she saw Ruyi, a glimmer of light returned to her previously dim eyes. She said in a trembling voice, "Master, the people from the Censorate couldn't get anything out of me."

Ruyi said calmly, "Hailan, I know you did this for me, but you shouldn't have done it."

Hailan collapsed to the ground as if her bones had been removed.

The emperor, who had long been impatient, ordered Jinzhong to announce Hailan's various crimes in public, and then said in a deep voice, "Execute her."

Rongyin added, "Gag her before you hit her."

The crisp sound of flesh striking flesh rang out, and the more timid concubines, such as Consort Chun, Consort Wan, and Consort E, had already closed their eyes in fear.

Hailan's head swayed from side to side, and blood flowed from the corner of her mouth, instantly turning into flames that burned away the rag stuffed in her mouth.

Flames spewed from her mouth as she rapidly uttered, "You fools, do you think the Emperor loves you? His favorite is still you, Consort Gao. Qi Ru is here to cure your illness..."

The eunuch was so frightened that he stopped and took a few steps back, and the concubines also screamed.

Amidst the screams of the crowd, Hailan let out a piercing cry: "Qi Ru has made you sicker with each treatment, yet you've been kept in the dark!"

Everyone, including the Emperor, was shocked, and Gao Xiyue's face suddenly turned deathly pale. However, a smile appeared on Ruyi's icy face.

Yuan Yi sent a talisman to Rong Yin, and Rong Yin, following His instructions, placed her palm on the teacup and then poured out the tea.

With a "sizzle," milky white steam rose, the flame in Hailan's mouth disappeared, and a gurgling sound came from her throat.

Rong Yin regained her senses and said in a deep voice, "Gag her."

An hour later, the group emerged from Jingren Palace, their faces pale with fright. Some were so agitated by the blood that they felt nauseous and vomited repeatedly. They hurriedly returned to their respective palaces.

Ruyi also came out, pulled her cloak tighter, and returned to Cuiyun Pavilion with a cold face.

Upon hearing Hailan's words, Gao Xiyue was filled with doubt and uncertainty. She wanted to ask the emperor, but Qi Ru was treating her on the emperor's orders. If the emperor really meant that, how should she face him?

Back at Xianfu Palace, Moxin noticed that her complexion was not good and quickly comforted her, "My lady, Hailan's breath of fire is too strange. How can we believe her words? Besides, although your cold illness was serious a few years ago, it has improved now. It is clear that she is just making things up."

Gao Xiyue stared blankly at the gold bracelet on her hand, then suddenly murmured as if in a dream, "Moxin, tell me, when Her Majesty the Empress was pregnant, why did she suddenly experience severe morning sickness when she got close to the incense in this bracelet?"

Xingxuan knew the truth and looked flustered.

Mo Xin said, "My lady, morning sickness during pregnancy is normal. Besides, the Empress is carrying a prince. Male fetuses are more fiery. Even if the pregnancy is stable, it is normal to have strong reactions at the moment. It doesn't mean anything."

Gao Xiyue seemed to believe it, yet she also seemed not to.

And the emperor, too, was harboring suspicions.

He summoned Qi Ru and inquired about the matter.

Qi Ru was flustered, but she remembered that the prescription on the surface was correct. The process of dispensing medicine was quite complex, and no one but herself could possibly see through it. Besides, so many years had passed; even the eunuch who dispensed the medicine back then probably wouldn't remember what it was. The Empress Dowager was now out of power, and admitting this would only give her more ammunition. Even for the sake of Princess Rou Shu, she dared not do it. So, she steeled herself and insisted that the Consort's persistent coldness years ago was due to a congenital condition that was extremely stubborn, and that she had secretly taken fertility-enhancing medicine, which slowed her recovery—not because Qi Ru had done it herself.

"Your Majesty is wise. Although the Imperial Concubine's health has not been very good these past two years, it was due to improper tonics that she developed a new ailment. Her cold ailment has indeed improved somewhat. If Your Majesty has any doubts, you may summon all the imperial physicians of the Imperial Hospital to examine the Imperial Concubine's pulse!"

The emperor's cold gaze swept over Qi Ru from head to toe before he finally said, "I summoned you to explain because Hailan implicated you. Since that's the case, you may leave."

Qi Ru felt relieved and was about to take her leave when the emperor suddenly said, "Hailan and Consort Xian have been sisters for many years. Although I have punished her, I cannot bear to see Consort Xian saddened by her former sister. You, go and take good care of Hailan."

Qi Ru withdrew, and the emperor then instructed Jin Zhong: "Investigate this matter, but don't let the Empress Dowager know."

Jinzhong said yes and then withdrew.

The emperor slumped wearily on his dragon throne, already suspicious. But in this palace, only he and the Empress Dowager could command the head of the Imperial Medical Academy to do such a thing. He hadn't given Qi Ru any decree to make the Consort's illness worse, so it could only be the Empress Dowager.

It turns out that Qi Ru wasn't entirely obedient to him.

He thought for a moment, then suddenly asked Jinbao, "I remember that time after Consort Xian wore the wrong clothes, a royal physician went to Changchun Palace. He was the one with the strange eyes. His name was..."

Jinbao immediately said, "Your Majesty, that is a newly arrived imperial physician from the Imperial Hospital. His surname is Huang, his given name is Yulu, and his courtesy name is Yuanyu."

The Emperor said, "He was able to accurately diagnose the Empress's condition with just one glance. He must have some medical skills. From now on, let him come and take my pulse."

Although Qi Ru did not know where Hai Lan got the information, Hai Lan's public announcement almost put him in a desperate situation. No matter how kind-hearted he was as a doctor, he could not help but think of silencing her.

The emperor then asked him to treat Hailan, which presented a perfect opportunity.

Anyway, having suffered forty slaps and two hundred strokes of the cane, with such severe injuries, even if he died, there would be nothing to explain.

With that in mind, he went to Cuiyun Pavilion.

Rongyin originally suggested that the emperor directly order Hailan's death, but since the emperor had decided to use this punishment, she knew that Hailan, being a non-human being, would not be easily beaten to death. Since the punishment had been completed and the emperor had not issued an edict to remove Hailan from her position as head palace maid, she could not simply leave her there. Because Jingren Palace had been abandoned for a long time and was not suitable for her, she had Hailan carried back to Cuiyun Pavilion with a soft canopy of spring ivy, and also sent an imperial physician to accompany her.

Ruyi walked slowly over, still wearing the gem-encrusted gold ring and the enamel-inlaid kingfisher blue crystal nail guard on her hand, and held Hailan's hand, which was swollen and bluish-black from torture.

Hailan, barely able to speak, said, "This servant knows that Master said those words today in order to preserve my usefulness. Only by enduring the punishment can I quell the criticism."

Ruyi smiled with satisfaction before saying, "Send it to the side hall." She deftly pushed the soft blanket with both hands.

The imperial physicians felt a chill, and when they heard Qi Ru say that he had come to treat the patient on the Emperor's orders, they decided to leave everything to him. They felt that Physician Qi was indeed worthy of being the head of the academy and was very capable. So they bowed and said, "In that case, we thank Physician Qi for his hard work. We will go directly to report to Her Majesty the Empress."

Rongyin returned to Changchun Palace, changed into casual clothes, and Yingluo added plenty of incense to the incense burner.

It was already dinnertime, but Rongyin had no appetite. She ate a bowl of rice water with a few side dishes and finished off the rest of the food.

Yuan Yi temporarily used his artificial intelligence to replace the two of them in the conference room, stopping the noodle god from trying to offer them beer, and instead offered each of them a cup of bubble tea.

They don't drink sweet milk tea often, but they found it novel and quite tasty. The chewy tapioca pearls added to their enjoyment.

Rongyin sighed: "Although Hailan has committed many sins, today, I can't help but feel sorry for her."

Yingluo's troubles stemmed from the fact that the Emperor, Lao Deng, had once again caused trouble, preventing her from killing Hailan.

Yuan Yidao said, "Your soft heart and compassion are proof of your humanity. I will not interfere until emotions influence your judgment."

He then said to Yingluo, "This Hailan is a projection of Consort Yu from the main world, and it's not so easy for her to escape the fate of projections from the main world. Moreover, she is currently the strongest non-human being, and she is not so easy to kill. The emperor's decision is not only for the sake of prolonged torment and venting, but also because he fears that calamities and indescribable things will affect him. This is also part of the destiny, and her death may indeed increase the destiny of the indescribable things, so let's consider this carefully."

Yingluo nodded, then asked, "Who orchestrated Consort Gao's affair?"

Yuan Yi showed them the live broadcast from Shou Kang Palace at that moment.

Qi Ru knelt in the Shou Kang Palace, her face ashen.

The Empress Dowager casually flipped through a Buddhist scripture and said nonchalantly, "Now that I no longer concern myself with the affairs of the court and the harem, you must be careful not to let the Emperor know that you once worked for me. Be cautious. Otherwise, given the Emperor's suspicious nature, he will not let you off the hook."

Qi Ru was so frightened that his face turned pale. He kowtowed and said, "The Empress Dowager, the Emperor, and the Empress are all my masters. I dare not!"

Rongyin exclaimed in surprise, "It's actually the Empress Dowager! But what reason could the Empress Dowager have to do this?"

Yuan Yidao said, "If you think it's necessary, then ask for the reason yourself."