Consort Yun, who was already in a state of confusion, turned pale when Xiao Jingheng glanced at her.
She took two steps forward and kneeled in front of Xiao Jingheng, explaining:
"Your Majesty, please understand! The fragrance I presented to the Empress was distilled from fresh flowers and fruits. It will not in any way harm the Empress's well-being. Before sending the fragrance to the Empress, I even had the imperial physician verify its safety to ensure that there were no issues."
Consort Yun was standing close to Xiao Jingheng, emitting a captivating and sweet scent with every movement.
Among the palace concubines, Consort Yun was known for her love of fragrances. In the past, when she was favored, Xiao Jingheng had even specially rewarded her with high-quality Morning Dew Fragrance.
After hearing her explanation, before Xiao Jingheng could speak, Shuang Ruo defended Consort Yun with a statement:
"If the Empress has truly been harmed, Consort Yun would not be the culprit. Consort Yun has always shown great respect and attentiveness towards the Empress, constantly serving her and carrying out her duties diligently."
Shuang Ruo's casual remark revealed a clue to Xiao Jingheng.
"The constant service" implied that Consort Yun would always be in the Empress's company.
So the Empress could smell this fragrance on Consort Yun every day?
Furthermore, Judge Chu had said earlier that Qi-Regulating Powder would not cause any harm to a normal person.
Xiao Jingheng pondered carefully and fixed his scrutinizing gaze on Consort Yun as he asked:
"What kind of powder are you using?"
"Well..." Consort Yun visibly became more flustered, trembling even in her speech, clearly betraying her guilt.
"Your Majesty, it's just... ordinary powder," she quickly explained.
Regardless of her explanation now, Xiao Jingheng wouldn't believe her.
He ordered Jiang Deshun to search Consort Yun's palace and find the Yi Yun Incense. It had to be brought to light.
Previously, when Consort Yun and Consort Chen came to Kun Ning Palace, they thought the Empress really wanted to discuss matters, so they didn't take precautions.
Consort Yun hadn't concealed or hidden the Yi Yun Incense, and it was easily found by the palace attendants.
When the item was presented to everyone, Xiao Jingheng instructed Shuang Ruo to carefully examine it, and soon the issue within it was exposed.
"Well... Your Majesty, someone indeed mixed Qi-Regulating Powder into this..."
"Outrageous!"
Xiao Jingheng forcefully smashed the teacup in his hand to the ground.
The Emperor was furious, and everyone in the hall kneeled together.
"Your Majesty, please calm down!"
Xiao Jingheng flung the jar of fragrant powder at Consort Yun,
Shattering the jar and scattering her hairpins,
A few strands of dark hair fell across her forehead, adding to her current panic and fear.
Consort Yun repeatedly kowtowed to Xiao Jingheng, her voice trembling:
"Your Majesty, I don't know, I really don't know how the Qi-Regulating Powder ended up in the fragrant powder. I swear!"
Xiao Jingheng glared at her with disgust, his voice filled with anger:
"You don't know? Are you suggesting that the powder grew legs and jumped into the fragrant powder you use every day?"
Upon hearing that it was indeed related to Consort Yun, Shuang Ruo couldn't believe it. Disregarding her status as a maid, she cried out while Xiao Jingheng was still reprimanding Consort Yun:
"Consort Yun... How could it be you? Why would you do such a thing?"
Suddenly, she seemed to recall something, her tear-filled eyes widened as she looked at Xiao Jingheng:
"Your Majesty! If there is something wrong with this fragrant powder, perhaps it's been used to plot against the Empress! Consort Yun has always been on good terms with the Empress, and she has been using the same fragrant powder for quite some time. Before the Empress became ill with a heart condition, she had been suffering from recurring symptoms. Then she had a premature birth and even experienced hemorrhaging. Maybe all of this is because of the fragrant powder!"
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the hall gasped in shock.
Consort Yin, who had been kneeling beside Consort Yun, felt a deep sense of fear upon hearing these words and quickly moved away.
Just then, Judge Chu returned from the inner chamber and reported:
"Your Majesty, the Empress's heart condition has stabilized, and there is currently no immediate danger to her life."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingheng let out a sigh of relief and exchanged a glance with Jiang Deshun.
Understanding his intention, Jiang Deshun relayed Shuang Ruo's suspicions to Judge Chu.
After hearing this, Judge Chu said:
"If this is indeed the case, it would explain why the Empress's heart condition has been incurable for so long and the reasons behind the premature birth and hemorrhaging..."
Xiao Jingheng wanted to inquire further,
but at that moment, from the direction of the corridor, a heart-wrenching cry echoed through the air.
Everyone turned their heads in response,
Only to discover that the Empress, at some unknown time, had come out from the inner chamber and was standing by the side door, having heard everything.
She was dressed in a plain sleeping gown, her face pale as snow,
She was now seated on the ground, her emaciated hands tightly clutching her chest, veins bulging on her neck, temples throbbing. Her cries were hoarse and desperate, echoing like a cat in heat during spring, sending shivers down people's spines...
Shuang Ruo stumbled and rushed to the Empress's side, helping her up from the cold ground,
Xiao Jingheng followed closely, cradling the Empress in his arms, gently rubbing her trembling shoulders, whispering words of comfort.
Judge Chu also exclaimed, "Your Majesty, the Empress has just escaped danger. She must not be subjected to any more shocks!"
The Empress glared at Consort Yun with eyes filled with fury, crying uncontrollably, repeatedly questioning her.
"Consort Yun! I have always treated you like a sister, why! Why would you harm me like this?"
She protected her small abdomen, her words filled with anguish, "I can never bear children in the future... A woman who loses the ability to give birth and raise children, what difference is there between me and a useless person! I might as well be dead!"
The Empress cried so desperately, disregarding any dignity of a palace consort.
The other consorts rushed forward to console her, but Consort Yun collapsed on the ground, scared out of her wits.
Xiao Jingheng was also infuriated,
He almost shouted at Consort Yun, "Vile woman! Why did you plot against the Empress? Speak!"
Consort Yun stuttered and couldn't form a complete sentence, only bowing incessantly,
Xiao Jingheng became even more annoyed and ordered, "Guards! Drag her away and administer the stick punishment until she confesses!"
