An Lingrong is reborn to live for herself.

Su Peisheng was very quick and efficient, and returned to report in no time.

All the palace servants who served Consort Li, whether they moved to Yikun Palace with her or remained in Qixiang Palace, have been sent to the Department of Cautious Punishment.

Everyone fell silent, and for a moment the hall was completely still.

Since ascending the throne, the emperor has always cherished the reputation of virtuous people and has been meticulous in all his actions. The only time he has ever sent all the servants in the palace for interrogation like this was when Consort Fucha died after giving birth to a stillborn child.

Today's case was originally a settled old case. Because Lady Miaoyin was of low birth, everyone assumed it was a minor matter. No one expected that once it was brought up again, it would anger the emperor so much.

Consort Hua knew in her heart that the outcome of today's game was mostly decided, and she was going to suffer a loss.

Although Consort Li had stayed in the west wing of Jingren Palace for so long, it was unknown whether she had revealed anything important or implicated her. However, Consort Li came from a military family and had studied some strategies of warfare with her brother. In the current situation, if she didn't struggle, she would be forced to fight back. But the more she was forced to fight, the harder it would be to find a chance to turn the tables. It was better to make the chaos even more chaotic, so that the law would not punish the masses.

And in all her years in the harem, she had never suffered such a loss in silence. Even if she were to suffer a loss, it absolutely could not be her family who suffered.

Thinking of this, Consort Hua glanced at the Empress and sneered, "What Consort Duan said sounds convincing, but it doesn't stand up to scrutiny. Although the begonia pattern isn't commonly used in the harem, it's a common design in embroidery. Moreover, I just heard Her Majesty the Empress say that the handkerchief is double-sided embroidered, with apricot blossoms in the rain on the other side. Apricot blossoms in the rain isn't a particularly difficult pattern to imitate. If a skilled embroiderer were to carefully copy it, a similar one could probably be produced."

As she spoke, Consort Hua noticed that the Emperor's expression remained unchanged, and continued, "In my opinion, judging Consort Li's guilt solely based on the pattern of the handkerchief is too arbitrary. If an investigation is to be conducted, we might as well ask Jianqiu to investigate all the patterns of the handkerchiefs that were bestowed as rewards. Even if the evidence ultimately points to Consort Li, it would still be fair and would avoid any controversy."

"Now that Consort Li is unable to speak, if her knowledge of the pattern is related to Lady Miaoyin's death, then I must ask, does having this pattern on one's handkerchief automatically make one a suspect in the plot to harm Lady Miaoyin and the imperial heir?"

As Consort Hua spoke, her delicate eyebrows arched slightly, and a hint of ruthlessness flashed in her eyes.

She paused slightly, then looked at An Lingrong sitting in the distance and smiled charmingly, "I've long heard that Consort An's mother was a famous embroiderer in Suzhou, and Consort An herself was personally taught by her mother from a young age, so her embroidery skills are superb. The handkerchief that was just handed to me, from afar, I saw that the crabapple blossoms were so lifelike, truly living up to her reputation. But judging from this, Consort An, with such exquisite embroidery skills, is probably also a suspect. Shouldn't we ask Eunuch Su to investigate this matter thoroughly..." When she said the last half of the sentence, Consort Hua deliberately dragged out the tone, just to keep everyone on edge. After speaking, her gaze seemed to casually sweep over Zhen Huan and Shen Meizhuang.

An Lingrong felt a cold sweat break out under Consort Hua's gaze, as if thorns were sprouting from her back, causing her to stiffen involuntarily.

In her previous life, An Lingrong had never truly clashed with Consort Hua, but she knew Consort Hua was not easy to deal with. However, she never expected that Consort Hua would be Consort Hua after all, dragging everyone down with just a few words.

This statement presents a very reasonable argument, yet it remains critical of both sides.

If the emperor wanted to severely punish Consort Li and made a decision based solely on the pattern of the handkerchief, it would be unfair, and Consort Duan, who came up with the idea, would probably also be charged with disturbing the emperor's ears.

However, if a thorough investigation were conducted, it would involve many people in the harem, which would lead to a major conflict. Not only would the harem be disturbed, but the royal family's most valued reputation would also be lost.

The emperor remained silent in thought.

Consort Hua, who has always been arrogant and spoiled, has now put the emperor in a difficult position.

The Empress looked on, her face full of helplessness. Consort Duan covered her lips with a handkerchief and breathed softly.

Even though she had discussed it with Zhen Huan for a long time beforehand, An Lingrong still couldn't help but feel a little flustered in the face of Consort Hua's aggressive manner, and unconsciously looked at Zhen Huan.

Zhen Huan silently adjusted her expression, gracefully rose, and bowed respectfully to the Emperor, Empress, and Consort Hua. She said softly, "Your Majesty, after hearing what Consort Duan and Consort Hua have said, I also have some thoughts. Would Your Majesty like to hear them?"

Seeing Zhen Huan step forward, the Emperor's expression was unreadable. He simply said, "Since Consort Wan also has insights, then please share them."

Zhen Huan nodded and smiled, knowing the emperor's temperament, and said, "What Consort Hua said is very true. If we were to punish Consort Li immediately based on just one trick, it would be truly unfair."

But Your Majesty just said that he only sent people to investigate, which means that there is no conclusion yet and a thorough investigation is needed to find out. Even if Consort Li is involved in this matter, perhaps she was accidentally dragged into it. If we cannot investigate thoroughly, how can we clear Consort Li's name?

The palace servants all know that Consort Li and Consort Hua are on good terms. Today, Consort Hua is understandably anxious and distressed for Consort Li. However, I believe that with His Majesty personally overseeing this matter, we servants will certainly do our utmost and ensure that Consort Li is not wronged.

After saying this, Zhen Huan bowed gracefully to the emperor again and continued, "Your Majesty, I have presumptuously speculated on Your Majesty's intentions, please forgive me."

The emperor's expression softened considerably, and he nodded slightly, indicating that Zhen Huan need not be reserved and could continue speaking.

Seeing the Emperor's expression, Zhen Huan nodded and smiled slightly, a hint of cunning gleam in her eyes. She then said, "I just heard Consort Duan and Eunuch Su mention that Lady Miaoyin's handkerchief is indeed missing. I imagine this handkerchief must be very important to the perpetrator, perhaps even serving as evidence pointing to the culprit. That's why, even in such a critical moment, the perpetrator didn't forget to take the handkerchief with them."

Earlier, Eunuch Su mentioned that he learned from the servants of the General's residence that Consort Li had recently sent someone to seek a folk remedy for conceiving a child. Consort Qi said she overheard people gossiping behind the artificial hill, saying that Consort Miaoyin had sought a folk remedy to change a female fetus into a male. Although His Majesty also said these were all nonsense, I do have a question: are these two remedies related?

Consort Li, who had been standing there blankly for a long time, suddenly seemed to regain her spirits. Her eyes gleamed as she looked at Zhen Huan, and she whispered, "There's a recipe that can give birth to a boy! It can give birth to a boy!"

Upon hearing this, everyone's expression changed.