The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

Chapter 161 Secret Investigation 1

Si Yunchen wore a long black robe, with mysterious and intricate cloud patterns embroidered in gold thread, which fluttered gently in the breeze.

His posture was as upright as a pine tree, each step firm and powerful, the soles of his boots making a crisp and rhythmic sound on the smooth marble floor.

His hands hung naturally at his sides, his fists slightly clenched, revealing his inner tension.

The eunuchs outside the palace were whispering among themselves, occasionally glancing furtively at the closed door.

Suddenly, they caught a glimpse of Si Yunchen's tall figure out of the corner of their eyes.

In an instant, these eunuchs, who were usually lazy and slacking off, straightened their backs as if they had been frozen in place, and the playful expressions on their faces disappeared without a trace, replaced by expressions of awe.

Their hands hung neatly at their sides, their eyes fixed on the front, not daring to utter a sound, for fear of accidentally offending this powerful figure.

By this time, dusk was approaching.

The enormous sun seemed to be slowly pulled down by an invisible hand, gradually sinking towards the horizon.

The setting sun, like a blazing fire, emitted a scorching and intense light, enveloping the entire palace in a solemn atmosphere.

The palace's glazed tiles shimmered with a golden-red light under the setting sun, as if they had been stained with blood.

The palace walls were also stained with a light orange-red color, making them appear exceptionally solemn and dignified.

In the afterglow of the setting sun, the palace's eaves and brackets cast long shadows, resembling an ancient and mysterious painting.

Si Yunchen slowly raised his eyes and looked at the magnificent sunset on the horizon.

His eyes were deep and sharp, as if they could pierce through the layers of clouds and see the truth hidden behind them.

Just then, Gongsun Ruotang's pale face involuntarily appeared in his mind.

Gongsun Ruotang's originally fair and rosy cheeks were now completely bloodless, and her lips had turned as pale as paper.

Her eyes were tightly closed, with glistening tears still clinging to her long eyelashes, and her brows were slightly furrowed, as if she were enduring immense pain.

Thinking of this scene, Si Yunchen felt an indescribable anger and worry welling up inside him.

The anger burned like a raging fire, spreading wildly in his chest; the worry was like an invisible thread, tightly binding his heart.

He frowned slightly, a thoughtful look in his eyes.

He knew all too well that Gongsun Ruotang's affliction with the Gu poison was no accident. Beneath the seemingly peaceful imperial palace, undercurrents surged, various factions vied for power, and everyone harbored their own ulterior motives.

Gongsun Ruotang was poisoned by a curse, which must have been deliberately orchestrated by someone. The situation in the palace is far more complex and dangerous than he imagined.

Those enemies lurking in the shadows are like a pack of cunning foxes, ready to bare their fangs and launch a deadly attack at any moment.

At this moment, he recalled Madam Yu Luo's hesitant expression.

At that moment, Lady Yu Luo stood before him, her lips slightly parted as if she wanted to say something, but in the end she closed her mouth and simply sighed softly.

Her eyes were filled with worry and helplessness, as if hiding some huge secret.

Si Yunchen realized that a huge conspiracy might be quietly unfolding.

This conspiracy is like an invisible net, slowly enveloping them, and they still don't know who the enemy is or when they will attack.

He clenched his fists silently, vowing to find out the truth, protect Gongsun Ruotang, and thwart this conspiracy.

Si Yunchen's steps were hurried and flustered, and the paving stones under his feet seemed to tremble under his hurried footsteps.

He strode quickly toward the Imperial Study, each step carrying a sense of urgency that left no room for delay.

At this moment, he had only one thought in his mind: to immediately discuss countermeasures with his father, the emperor, and at the same time, to systematically deploy defenses and investigations within the palace.

After all, Ruotang's affliction with the Gu poison was like a bombshell, causing a huge uproar in the seemingly peaceful palace.

Throughout the journey, Si Yunchen's eyes flashed with a sharp light, his thoughts racing like a wild horse.

Every possible clue and person related to the incident kept flashing through his mind, like groping for a glimmer of light in the dark.

He recalled every servant around Ruotang, wondering if their every move and word concealed any unknown secrets.

He pondered the recent unusual events in the palace, wondering if those seemingly insignificant matters were the beginning of this conspiracy.

He even began to suspect that the seemingly honest and dutiful palace maids and eunuchs might have been bribed and used as pawns in this evil conspiracy.

Finally, the solemn doors of the Imperial Study came into view.

Si Yunchen took a deep breath, straightened his clothes, and pushed open the door to enter.

Inside the imperial study, the charcoal fire in the stove was burning brightly, crackling and bringing a touch of warmth to the cold winter day.

The emperor was bent over his desk reviewing memorials.

Seeing Si Yunchen rush in, the emperor frowned slightly, put down his vermilion brush, raised his head, and his eyes revealed a hint of majesty: "Chen'er, why are you in such a hurry? Has something happened?"

Si Yunchen felt a surge of anxiety, but he suppressed his emotions, stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and said in a trembling voice, "Father, Ruotang has been poisoned." These few words were like a thunderclap in the imperial study.

The emperor's previously calm face instantly turned terrified. He stood up abruptly, his hands gripping the edge of the table involuntarily, his body trembling slightly: "What did you say? How could Ruo'er be poisoned? What happened?" The emperor's voice was filled with anxiety, and his eyes revealed his deep concern for Ruo Tang.

Si Yunchen lowered his head, not daring to look the emperor in the eye, his voice choked with emotion: "The specific situation is still under investigation. Ruotang suddenly fainted; she has been poisoned."