Chapter 87 Consort Fucha's Deception
Chapter 87 Consort Fucha's Deception
After feeling Consort Fang's pulse, the Empress smiled with satisfaction.
Surprisingly, although Consort Fang suffered a miscarriage and was sent to the Cold Palace, her body did not suffer much damage.
After a period of recuperation, you should be able to conceive.
The Empress quickly released her grip and waved for Consort Fang to sit down.
Why did Consort Fang insist on helping Empress Ming up?
Fortunately, her master had the foresight to suspect that someone might suspect she had come from the Cold Palace.
Her body was perfectly healthy, which would inevitably lead people to suspect that someone was behind her.
The Empress looked at Consort Fang and asked, "Now that you're by Consort Hua's side, has she suspected you?"
Consort Fang said, "Consort Hua does not recognize me at this time."
The Empress asked, "Didn't Songzhi and Consort Jin, who were by her side, suspect you?"
At first, neither of them recognized Consort Fang.
Later, Consort Jin must have recognized me, but she didn't say anything more.
Later, Songzhi remembered who the concubines were.
The concubine then said that she knew the real culprit who killed her child was not Consort Hua.
"This concubine wants Consort Hua to avenge my child, which is why I wish to seek refuge with Consort Hua."
The Empress hurriedly asked, "Tell them who is the one who harmed your child?"
Consort Fang quickly lowered her eyes, a slight, almost imperceptible hint of mockery playing on her lips.
Hmph, are you already feeling guilty?
Soon, Consort Fang cautiously raised her head and stealed a glance at the Empress.
Then he quickly lowered his head and said softly:
"Your Majesty, I...I told them it was...it was...it was Your Majesty."
The words had barely left her lips when the Empress's expression changed drastically: "What? You actually suspect me!"
Consort Fang looked pitiful and utterly innocent, and said:
"Your Majesty, please calm your anger. I had no choice at the time."
If I were to say that it was done by someone else, I'm afraid they wouldn't believe me at all.
Hearing this, the Empress calmed down slightly, but still kept her eyes fixed on Consort Fang, continuing to press for answers:
Even so, have you never doubted me?
Consort Fang lowered her head meekly and obediently replied:
I had my doubts, but after I met two people while I was in the Cold Palace...
"Then I knew that my child must be Consort Hua."
The Empress breathed a sigh of relief. "Who are those two people you're talking about?"
Consort Fang felt a sense of satisfaction watching the Empress's ever-changing expressions.
"One is surnamed Xia, and the other is Consort Li."
The Empress did not immediately recall that there had ever been such a person in the palace.
"Surname Xia?"
Consort Fang: "That person seemed to have been seriously injured when he entered the Cold Palace, and he died not long after entering."
At that time, the concubine was still not fully conscious and was acting erratically, so she doesn't remember very clearly.
All I know is that the person will be injured; it was Consort Hua who ordered the beating.
As soon as Consort Fang said that, the Empress knew who she was referring to.
It turns out that the woman who was punished by Consort Hua with a severe beating was named Xia Dongchun.
An idiot isn't worth anyone's attention.
Consort Fang said, "Consort Hua is so disregard for human life; she must have killed my child."
The Empress smiled with satisfaction upon hearing this and let go of her prejudice against Consort Fang.
Consort Fang wasn't exactly clever; although she had improved a little after spending some time in the Cold Palace.
But there's only a little bit left.
"Now that you understand the truth, don't talk nonsense anymore."
The Empress picked up her teacup and took a small sip.
"Yes, Your Majesty, I will follow Your Majesty's teachings." Consort Fang bowed respectfully.
The Empress said, "From what you've said, it seems that Consort Jin is not entirely loyal to Consort Hua."
Consort Fang and Consort Jin were certainly not loyal to Consort Hua; they were loyal to their mistress.
The Empress said, "Alright, make sure no one finds out that you came to my palace tonight."
Consort Fang is "yes".
The Empress said, "Alright, you may leave now."
Consort Fang put on her hat, curtsied to the Empress, and then left Jingren Palace.
The day after the Empress was released from confinement, everyone assumed she would immediately resume paying her respects.
But the Empress did not do that.
Instead, he summoned the imperial physician to examine his pulse.
The concubines were all puzzled when they heard this news.
When Consort Jing arrived at Fucha Peiyun's Yanxi Palace that day, she asked the Empress what kind of play she was putting on.
Fucha Peiyun held Hongchang in her arms
Fucha Peiyun gently patted Hongchang and slowly said:
"Sister, don't worry. We'll deal with whatever comes our way. The Empress has only just been released from confinement."
"I didn't dare to do anything more for the time being,"
Consort Jing nodded slightly, "What you say makes sense, but the Empress has always been a deep and scheming woman, so we must be wary of her."
Fucha Peiyun smiled gently.
"Don't worry, sister. No matter what tricks she uses, we just need to protect ourselves and the child."
Please pay more attention to your food and daily necessities, and bring more people with you when you go out.
Protect the front and back areas. Now that the weather is cold, also pay attention to the ground to see if anything has fallen out.
Fucha Peiyun then looked at Consort Xin on the other side.
Don't bring fewer people just because you think it's too much trouble.
Looking at Consort Xin on the other side, she said, "Don't bring too few people just because you think it's troublesome."
Consort Xin nodded hurriedly, "Thank you for your guidance, sister. I will remember it."
After all these years, I'm finally pregnant again, and I can't afford to be careless.
Fucha Peiyun said, "The weather is really cold now, so my two sisters should try not to go out if they can avoid it."
There are too many dangers outside; any movement is confined to one's own palace.
Given the Empress's temperament, she could resume paying her respects at any time.
"We'll need to be even more careful then."
Consort Jing looked at Hongchang in Fucha Peiyun's arms and sighed.
"Sigh, the thought of not seeing Hongchang for a long time..."
I just can't bear to part with it.
Consort Xin sighed as well, "Yes, this child is so well-behaved and adorable. I've missed her quite a bit since I've seen her in so long."
Fucha Peiyun smiled and hugged Hongchang tightly.
"My two sisters don't need to be so sad. If you have some free time..."
I can quietly send someone to tell them that it's perfectly acceptable for me to take the children to visit my sisters.
My two older sisters are in very good health now, so it's best to be careful.
Just then, Ye'er came in to report: "Your Majesty, the Imperial Household Department has sent over charcoal for winter and thick clothing materials."
Fucha Peiyun frowned slightly. "Check it carefully before accepting it, lest someone take advantage of the situation."
Ye'er accepted the order and left.
Upon seeing the charcoal fire, Fucha Peiyun immediately thought of the drama "Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace".
Adding cinnabar to charcoal and candles would be incredibly difficult to detect.
I still need to remind them.
Fucha Peiyun turned to face Consort Jing and Noble Lady Xin, her expression becoming serious:
"My two elder sisters, I just remembered something and wanted to remind you of something."
I've heard that some people mix cinnabar into charcoal and candles.
Such methods are extremely insidious; if one is careless and falls into their trap, their life could be in danger.
There is also the possibility that the unborn child may die in utero or be born with birth defects.
"These things that have been sent, my two elder sisters must examine them carefully, not letting a single detail slip by."
Consort Jing's expression changed slightly, and she quickly replied:
Such insidious methods are truly chilling.
If someone really used such methods, there would be no warning from their sister.
We never even imagined that, in the end, whether the fetus dies in the womb or not...
Or perhaps the fetus has a birth defect; neither of these is something we can bear.
Consort Xin also looked alarmed. "Thank you for informing us, sister. We will certainly handle this with caution."
Consort Jing and Noble Lady Xin were terrified. If someone really used such methods...
They didn't realize that the baby in their womb had either died in utero or was deformed.
What awaits them is permanent disfavor, being considered an omen of bad luck, and bringing misfortune upon their families.
Fucha Peiyun felt somewhat annoyed by their strong reaction.
The person who was fine before was actually frightened by her.
Fucha Peiyun brought them water from the table.
He didn't forget to offer words of comfort:
"Sisters, don't worry too much. Perhaps I'm overthinking it. But the palace is dangerous, and we must be careful."
Consort Jing took a breath and said:
"My sister meant well; this harem looks so beautiful and lush."
But we both know how dirty it is.
It's always good to be more vigilant.
Consort Xin nodded in agreement.
Consort Jing said, "I have been longing for this child for so many years, and now I am finally pregnant."
You can never be too careful.
"Don't worry, little sister, I'm not that fragile."
Consort Xin: "Consort Jing is right, my younger sister kindly reminded us."
We're not the kind of people who don't know any better."
Fucha Peiyun said, "I'm glad you weren't frightened by your sister."
Consort Jing said, "It's alright. We've been sitting here for so long, it's time for us to go back."
After that, the older sister stopped coming, but the younger sister remembered to bring Hongchang to visit her.
Consort Xin: "Don't forget me, don't leave me out."
Fucha Peiyun: "Okay, okay, I'll definitely go, little sister."
Fucha Peiyun saw off Consort Jing and Noble Lady Xin.
In the following days, the harem seemed to return to tranquility.
However, in the previous dynasty, the matter of Longkodo was finally settled.
Longkodo was investigated for forming cliques, abusing his power, accepting bribes, and abusing his authority.
The evidence against him is conclusive, including charges of deceit, betrayal, favoring a concubine over his wife, and murdering his first wife.
Li Longke was sentenced to immediate execution, and his favorite concubine, Li Si'er, also did not escape punishment.
Li Si'er originally thought that he could rely on Longkodo's immense power to remain at large forever and continue to be arrogant and domineering.
But no one expected things to turn out this way.
Before being beheaded, Li Si'er was imprisoned in a dungeon.
Some received special treatment, were whipped, tortured on the tiger bench, and subjected to various forms of punishment in turn.
Meanwhile, Longkodo and Li Si'er's son, Yuzhu, was not sentenced to death.
However, he was stripped of all his official positions and exiled to a remote area, and it was stipulated that he would never again serve as an official in the court.
Longkodo and Li Si'er got what they deserved; this ending was truly gratifying.
Except for Yue Xing'a's branch, the entire Tong family was raided and exiled.
The once illustrious Tong Banchao dynasty collapsed suddenly, leaving people deeply saddened.
At the same time, the emperor took this opportunity to rectify officialdom and strictly prohibit officials from forming cliques and engaging in corrupt practices.
The atmosphere in the imperial court was completely renewed.
Many families contributed to this matter.
The Guar family, the Zhen family, and the Nian family can be described as everyone kicking a man when he's down.
Although the families involved gained the emperor's favor, they also sowed the seeds of future troubles.
The news of Longkodo's execution reached the ears of the Empress Dowager at Shou Kang Palace through someone with ulterior motives.
The Empress Dowager was still thinking of pleading for Longkodo, at least to save his life.
Unexpectedly, so many people in the court wanted Longkodo dead; rather than saying that they wanted Longkodo dead...
It's more accurate to say that the emperor couldn't tolerate Longkodo.
The Empress Dowager vomited blood again, which worsened her already poor health.
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