An Lingrong is reborn to live for herself.

Consort Hua was displeased after being humiliated, and she threw a tantrum even before entering Yikun Palace.

Zhou Ninghai had difficulty walking, but Consort Hua was being supported by Songzhi and was walking very fast. He was worried that he would not hear the instructions and would be scolded again, so he could only hurry to follow. But the more anxious he was, the more he limped. By the time he entered the inner palace, he was covered in sweat.

"The Empress is becoming increasingly provocative. She is already old and her beauty has faded, so the Emperor no longer favors her, yet she still causes so much trouble. If she had behaved herself as Empress, we could have maintained some dignity for each other. But today she has dared to provoke me in front of her! How can I swallow this insult!"

"Your Majesty, don't worry. His Majesty's favor towards you is unwavering. Today, he also intended to suppress this matter. After all, you are the apple of His Majesty's eye!" Seeing Consort Hua's displeasure, Consort Li said with a forced smile.

Consort Li was always sweet-talking and could always make Consort Hua happy. Sure enough, after hearing these words, Consort Hua's brows relaxed a lot.

“Your Majesty, although this matter occurred outside Yikun Palace, it did not happen in our palace. Even if Your Majesty the Empress wants to find fault with us, I'm afraid you have no evidence, right?” It was Consort Cao who spoke. Consort Cao was not talkative, but when she did speak, she always got to the point.

Today's events greatly displeased Consort Hua, so Consort Li and Noble Lady Cao naturally stayed by her side to offer advice and solutions.

Consort Hua said angrily, "What happened today is really strange. The guards patrolling outside Yikun Palace were all personally arranged by my brother, and there has never been a problem. Today, Yuan Shi ran into trouble in this area. Someone must have deliberately sabotaged it."

Consort Cao pondered, “Such a thing, if exposed, would be a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of one’s family. If it were arranged by a concubine, she would definitely choose her most trusted confidant. But at that time, all the concubines in the palace were leaving from the Empress’s palace, and the people who served them closely were with their masters. Who could have been waiting for Lady Yuan at the rockery before the others arrived?”

"Now that you mention it, I haven't noticed anyone leaving midway." Consort Li pondered for a moment, but couldn't find any suspicious person who had such an opportunity.

"In my humble opinion, it seems that the person who did this is easier to find."

"The daily shifts of the palace maids and eunuchs are recorded, and the shifts of the guards are also documented; all of this can be verified. If we investigate these people carefully, it won't be difficult to find some clues," said Consort Cao, straightening her back slightly as she continued, seeing that Consort Hua was listening attentively.

"However, the people in Your Majesty's palace are always well-organized. Should we also investigate them together?"

As Consort Cao spoke, her gaze inadvertently swept over the palace servants serving in the room.

Zhou Ninghai knew that Consort Cao was shrewd and ruthless, but when Consort Cao's eyes swept over him, he still felt as if he had been bitten by a poisonous snake, and his whole body was chilled.

"Hmph, investigate! If anyone in Yikun Palace is found to have illicit dealings, I will not let them off lightly."

"Zhou Ninghai, go and investigate for me. Find out who was on duty that day, and whoever was working in the palace. I want to see which vile woman is up to no good right under my nose."

Zhou Ninghai accepted the order and limped out of Yikun Palace. But only after reaching the palace gate did he vigorously wipe the sweat soaking through his clothes with his sleeve.

Having served Consort Hua for many years, I had never seen her fall into such a trap, almost suffering in silence.

He also found the matter quite strange, and vaguely felt that someone in the harem was plotting something, and that the days ahead might not be easy.

------

Broken Yuxuan.

"It's fortunate that none of the three of us were present at today's events." Although Shen Meizhuang did not personally experience the incident, the clever palace maids around her had already inquired about the general situation for her.

"That's really scary. I heard that the Emperor wants to investigate the guards because he suspects that the Yuan family is unruly," Shen Meizhuang said, deliberately lowering her voice.

"It seems there were some rumors circulating recently, but there's never been any concrete evidence," An Lingrong replied, secretly observing Baojuan's expression as she spoke.

"Such a rumor can lead to death, so if there is concrete evidence, how could the Emperor allow her to continue living?" Zhen Huan remained calm, but with a life-or-death situation at stake, she couldn't help but feel a little panicked.

“But, logically speaking, Lady Yuan is already very favored. Not only has the Emperor bestowed a title upon her, but she is also pregnant with the Emperor’s child. Even if it is just a princess, once she is born, her future will be secure,” Shen Meizhuang asked doubtfully.

Indeed, Yuan's actions are difficult to understand.

An Lingrong, however, seemed unconvinced, "Could it be that this child..."

"My lady, this matter is of great importance, you must not make wild guesses!" Before An Lingrong could finish speaking, Jinxi interrupted her. However, An Lingrong was not angry, she just smiled and said, "I was being presumptuous."

Seeing that Jinxi handled things properly and knew her limits, Zhen Huan was full of praise.

He then added, "Jinxi is always thoughtful. Today's matter is ultimately decided by the Emperor and the Empress. Let's not speculate unnecessarily."

The three chatted for a while longer before parting ways.

Even during their casual conversation, An Lingrong kept a close eye on Baojuan's expression.

When she mentioned that Yuan had no reason to have an affair with a guard, Baojuan seemed to show disdain. However, when she brought up the deaths of Yuan and her son as a result, Baojuan's expression became noticeably uneasy. How much was Baojuan involved in this affair, and what role did she play in it?