An Lingrong is reborn to live for herself.

An Lingrong did not expect that the Empress Dowager would arrive even earlier than the imperial physician.

Because the matter was deadlocked, the newly appointed concubines knelt on the ground.

When the Empress Dowager walked in, the concubines who were originally sitting in their seats knelt down on the ground.

Although Jingren Palace is large, there are far too many people kneeling there. If the emperor were to come and join the fun, he wouldn't even need to bring any ceremonial guards. Even if it were just the emperor and Su Peisheng, it would probably be difficult for them to walk in smoothly.

The Empress Dowager was dressed simply today, her slightly gray hair neatly tied at her temples. She walked in with an elegant demeanor, supported by the nanny beside her.

Seeing this, the Empress quickly made way for the Empress Dowager. Jianqiu was quick-witted and immediately signaled to a eunuch to bring a chair and place it next to the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager's gaze swept lightly over the Empress, her face showing some displeasure.

"I've heard there are treacherous people in the harem? Today I'll see who's trying to stir up trouble right under my nose." The Empress Dowager sat down, not in a hurry to have the concubines rise, but instead asked in a deep voice.

Upon seeing that it was the Empress Dowager, Consort Hua became much more restrained and remained silent.

Before the Empress could answer, Consort Xia cried out, "Empress Dowager, you must uphold justice for me! I am truly innocent!"

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager frowned and turned to look at the Empress.

"Your Majesty, you speak."

Upon hearing this, the Empress replied, "According to ancestral rules, today is the day for newly promoted concubines to pay their respects to the elders in the palace. Perhaps it is because spring is in full bloom, but Consort Xia chose a lighter color for her gown today, which attracted several butterflies. The other concubines all found it quite interesting, but Consort Hua, being meticulous, suspected that something was amiss."

"I was just about to call the imperial physician to take a look, but I didn't expect Your Majesty to arrive."

Although the Empress's words were somewhat evasive, she clearly explained the whole story and who had suddenly launched the attack.

The Empress Dowager's expression did not change after hearing this; she simply raised her hand to signal to Zhu Xi beside her.

Zhu Xi nodded in acceptance of the order, then turned to the crowd and asked, "Where is the imperial physician?"

"Your humble servant Jiang Cheng greets the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and all the ladies. Your Majesty, it is my turn to be on duty at the Imperial Hospital today."

It turns out that Jiang Cheng is on duty today, a person An Lingrong still remembers quite well.

Rumor has it that this Imperial Physician Jiang and the Imperial Physician Jiang the Chief Physician are half-brothers. Although they both work in the Imperial Hospital, they are not convinced by each other and have become bitter enemies because of the grudges between their elders.

However, whether these rumors are true or false is not important. What is important is that An Lingrong remembers that in her previous life, it was this Imperial Physician Jiang who diagnosed Shen Meizhuang and slandered her for faking her pregnancy.

An Lingrong suspected that this Imperial Physician Jiang was probably one of Consort Hua's people.

As expected, when she saw that it was Imperial Physician Jiang who had entered, Consort Hua smiled slightly.

Just as she was about to speak, Consort Cao, who was kneeling beside her, gently tugged at the hem of Consort Hua's robe.

Unable to utter the words she wanted to say, Consort Hua was clearly frustrated and rolled her eyes at Lady Cao. Knowing the gravity of the situation, she remained silent.

The Empress Dowager had taken in everything before her, yet she still said calmly, "Then please have Physician Jiang make a diagnosis."

Physician Jiang kowtowed again, "I beg Your Majesty to pardon my presumption of duty. I have indeed seen in ancient books a mineral produced in Gaochang. It is brightly colored and has no smell, but insects and birds can detect its unique fragrance and thus often surround it."

However, this substance clashes with cinnabar; once the two minerals are mixed, they will react and burn. There is no other way to distinguish them. However, this method is somewhat dangerous and might harm the official.

If you wish to determine whether there is anything unusual about Consort Xia's attire today, please allow her to change her clothes and hand them over to me. I will then be able to determine the truth by testing them with cinnabar in the courtyard.”

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager remained silent in thought.

Consort Hua, sitting to the left, gave a disdainful smile.

Today, in full view of everyone, Xia was first nearly punished by Consort Hua, and then forced to change her clothes in front of everyone to prove her innocence. The usually arrogant Xia could only kowtow and cry out that she was wronged; she was utterly disgraced.

It seems that even if Lady Xia still has the face to live in the harem in the future, it will be difficult for her to gain the emperor's favor.

An Lingrong knew perfectly well that today's events were mostly Hua Fei's attempt to use as an excuse to cause trouble. That's why she and her confidante Songzhi were working together to both embarrass the Empress and eliminate a thorn in her side.

However, Consort Hua and her servants did not expect that the news would spread so quickly that even the Empress Dowager would arrive.

At this moment, the Empress Dowager spoke up, "Empress, this is your palace, so you should make the arrangements. Let Consort Xia change her clothes before returning. If there is any foul play involved, I certainly cannot stand idly by. If there are other hidden circumstances, I will not tolerate such sordid things happening in the harem!"

The Empress Dowager was well aware of Consort Hua's intentions. However, given the current situation, she had no choice but to sacrifice Consort Xia.

Fortunately, although Xia was not a person of high social standing, she did not speak recklessly. Therefore, her life was spared.

The Empress Dowager intended for the Empress to continue presiding over the matter so as to inform the concubines that the Empress was the head of the palace. No matter how favored the concubines were, as long as the Empress's imperial decree was not abolished, the Empress would still be the Empress no matter how much trouble they caused. As long as the Empress remained firmly in the central palace, nothing else mattered.

Upon hearing the Empress Dowager's arrangements, An Lingrong breathed a sigh of relief.

He glanced to the side and met Shen Meizhuang's questioning gaze.

An Lingrong was secretly startled. Had Sister Meizhuang noticed something? Had she made a mistake somewhere?