Noble Consort Ru could never have anticipated that Noble Consort Chen's birthdate provided to the Imperial Household Department would turn out to be fake.
Her wicked scheme has backfired and has caused her own downfall.
However, now that things have come to this point, if she were to confess, it would mean certain death for her. It might be better for her to deny knowing anything and perhaps there would still be a glimmer of hope.
So she repeatedly kowtowed to Xiao Jingheng, as if she had suffered a great injustice, crying out:
"I'm innocent! Noble Consort Ru and I have no grievances or disputes. Why would I curse Noble Consort Chen?"
"When you first entered the palace, I taught you a lesson. Do you think I'm unaware of what you say about me behind my back?"
Noble Consort Chen supported her waist with one hand and protected her abdomen with the other, glaring at Noble Consort Ru with an agitated expression. She said, "Fortunately, I had my suspicions early on. Otherwise, you would have learned about my birthdate, and both Noble Consort Chen and the heir in my womb would have fallen victim to your witchcraft and plotting!"
The hall was in an uproar.
Song Zhao and several other concubines who had arrived later stood quietly to the side, not daring to make a sound.
Noble Consort Chen caught a glimpse of the doll that had fallen beside Noble Consort Ru. The silver needle sticking out of its head was particularly eye-catching, and the character for her given name written on it made her heart skip a beat. She then instructed Liu Yue:
"That filthy thing is extremely ominous. Pick it up and burn it."
Liu Yue obeyed the order and approached, but Consort Yin stopped her and said:
"Noble Consort, please wait. This object is now evidence of Noble Consort Ru's presumption and overstepping. I'm afraid it cannot be destroyed."
The two exchanged frowns, and there was an air of tension between them.
Just as Xiao Jingheng was about to intervene, Song Zhao stepped forward with measured steps and picked up the doll.
"What Consort Yin said has some merit, but the name of Noble Consort Chen is still written on this doll. It's somewhat inappropriate," she said, surveying the surroundings. She noticed a pair of scissors used for trimming branches on a mahogany table and asked Yunshan to fetch them.
Then, she cut off the piece of cloth on the doll's abdomen that had Noble Consort Chen's name written on it, folded it into a small piece, and handed it to Liu Yue. "Go ahead and burn this first."
Song Zhao's actions cleverly defused a dispute among the concubines on behalf of Xiao Jingheng.
Xiao Jingheng raised an eyebrow as he looked at her, revealing a hint of appreciation in his eyes.
Later, the doll that had been cut was placed on the desk next to Consort Yin.
When the white cotton filling was exposed, it reflected a hint of pale yellow in the glow of the candlelight.
Because the object was closest to Consort Yin and there was a brazier nearby, the scent from the cotton quickly dissipated.
Consort Yin faintly caught a whiff of a gamey smell from it.
Although both she and Noble Consort Ru were foreign women, Consort Yin disliked the smell of mutton and rarely ate it. She also avoided using sheepskin products in her daily life.
On the other hand, Ru Naren, who came from Mongolia, enjoyed eating mutton and had many garments made from sheepskin.
The cotton filling was dense and easily absorbed the scent of whoever came into contact with it.
Consort Yin picked up the cloth doll and held it close to her nose, sniffing carefully. She confirmed that the musky scent was coming from the cotton stuffing. Immediately, she handed the doll to Xiao Jingheng, saying,
"Your Majesty, please smell this. There is a hint of musk on the cotton stuffing used to sew this doll. As you know, I never use sheepskin products or eat lamb. This scent must have been transferred to the doll by someone while Noble Consort Ru was sewing it!"
Xiao Jingheng took the doll and casually waved it a few times, allowing the musky scent mixed with the air to enter his nostrils.
Unconsciously, his brows furrowed, and his expression became more serious.
Noble Consort Ru was also puzzled.
When she was sewing the doll, she was afraid of getting any musky smell on it. She even carefully cleaned her hands with rose juice, which Consort Yin used for handwashing.
She double-checked multiple times.
But now, how could there still be a musky scent on the cotton stuffing?
Xiao Jingheng's gaze, sharp as a sword, swept over her.
She was so frightened that she couldn't even lift her head and could only cry out for injustice.
While Xiao Jingheng was directly looking at Noble Consort Ru, his peripheral vision caught Consort Yin by the side.
At this moment, he still had doubts about this matter.
Because the musky scent on the cotton stuffing was too obvious, as if someone deliberately framed someone else.
If this matter was indeed done by Noble Consort Ru,
why would she want to frame Consort Yin? And how could she be so careless as to not clean her hands before doing such a thing?
If Noble Consort Ru wanted to harm Consort Yin, she had the motive and reason.
Just look at the swollen cheeks of Noble Consort Ru, and you would know that she didn't have a comfortable time under Consort Yin's hands.
But there were so many newcomers entering the palace. Li Noble Consort was also arrogant and domineering when she entered the palace. Why didn't Consort Yin show any annoyance towards her and only focused on Noble Consort Ru's flaws?
After pondering the reasons, Xiao Jingheng speculated that it was probably because Noble Consort Ru and Consort Yin were both from different tribes.
In the past, because Consort Yin was from a different tribe, Xiao Jingheng would give slightly more rewards to the Ada Tribe and have slightly looser requirements for taxes and contributions.
This was done to win over and appease the Ada Tribe.
But now that Noble Consort Ru had entered the palace, Xiao Jingheng would also try to appease and win over the Mongolian tribe.
As two different tribes, there would be competition between them.
For example, if the Mongolian tribe tried to curry favor with Xiao Jingheng by providing more offerings to the court,
and the Ada Tribe continued to provide the same amount of taxes and contributions as before, it would inevitably cause dissatisfaction from the court. They would be forced to match the insufficient offerings of the Mongolian tribe.
If Consort Yin could eliminate Noble Consort Ru before she gained power, then both she and her maternal tribe would have an easier path in the future.
And today, this cloth doll,
wasn't it the one Consort Yin found herself after attending to her duties and rummaging through the wardrobe?
Xiao Jingheng connected these doubts and speculations together,
and in his heart, the suspicion towards Consort Yin grew stronger.
However, he still rebuked Noble Consort Ru, "You have been in the palace for several months and have already caused numerous troubles. It seems that the Mongol King has treated you too well, allowing you to become accustomed to a life of luxury, which is why you dare to behave so recklessly after entering the palace.
Convey my decree: from this day forward, Noble Consort Ru shall be demoted to a regular status and confined to Chengqian Palace for three months. She cannot leave unless summoned."
Upon hearing the decree of being demoted, Noble Consort Chen's displeasure was evident.
Practicing witchcraft and cursing the imperial heir within the palace is a grave crime that warrants the extermination of nine generations!
However, Noble Consort Chen also understood that Xiao Jingheng's hasty punishment was solely because the court still needed the influence of the Mongolian tribes on the border.
Therefore, she couldn't inquire further about the decree; instead, she shifted the focus and cast a dark gaze at Consort Yin.
"Although this matter is Noble Consort Ru's fault, Consort Yin, as the head of Chengqian Palace, you have failed to properly educate your subordinates? Causing such chaos, you cannot evade blame! If even the matters within one palace cannot be handled peacefully, what qualifications do you have to assist me in managing the six palaces?"
"I do not agree with what Noble Consort said, I believe..."
"I think Noble Consort's words are not without merit."
Before Consort Yin could finish her defense, Xiao Jingheng interrupted her with a stern voice.
"If it weren't for your frequent beatings and scoldings of Ru Shi, why would she falsely accuse you? First, you should handle the affairs within your own palace before anything else. During this period, Noble Consort will be solely in charge of the six palaces..."
"I will comply with the decree."
Noble Consort Chen hurriedly expressed her thanks, but she did not anticipate that Xiao Jingheng had more to say.
He looked at Song Zhao with gentle eyes and spoke in a warm tone.
"You have a calm disposition and clear rewards and punishments. I've been thinking that during these days, you should learn from Noble Consort and learn how to handle the affairs of the harem properly. When you are bestowed the title of Imperial Concubine next month, you will assist Noble Consort and manage the six palaces together."
