frightfiction Chapter 1773 A hopeless case
Chapter 1773 A hopeless case
Consort Zhuang did not look at Xiao Yizi, but said to Nangong Xuanyu, "Your Majesty, I still maintain that the innocent will remain innocent."
"These two are accusing me, but they can't produce any concrete evidence, and their stated motives are utterly absurd!"
"Your Majesty, I implore you to thoroughly investigate all of Physician Qin and Xiao Yizi's recent whereabouts, contacts, and financial transactions. I do not believe that baseless accusations can truly bury the truth."
"If it is confirmed that I did it, I am willing to accept any punishment! But if someone is framing me... I beg Your Majesty to clear my name and severely punish the mastermind behind it, so as to restore order to the palace!"
Shen Zhinian's gaze slowly turned to Consort Tong.
Consort Tong kept her head bowed low, wishing nothing more than for it all to end quickly. Once back in Jingyang Palace and behind closed doors, the commotion outside was none of her concern.
Shen Zhinian called out, "Consort Tong."
Consort Tong raised her head, looking at Shen Zhinian with fear: "Your Majesty, I am here..."
Shen Zhinian said gently, "You are the Third Prince's mother. This matter concerns the Third Prince's safety, so you must be the one who is most worried."
"You have heard everything that just happened. I would like to hear your thoughts."
All eyes turned to Consort Tong.
Some people investigated, some felt pity, and some despised.
Consort Mei held her breath nervously, fearing that Consort Tong, who was usually so quiet and reserved, might say something unpleasant.
Shen Zhinian's question naturally had a deeper meaning.
She could see that Consort Tong was afraid.
But she also knew that in the harem, simply retreating and enduring might not be enough to protect the people she wanted to protect.
Sometimes, opportunities are fleeting.
Today, Consort Zhuang is clearly in a passive position. If Consort Tong can seize this opportunity and, as the mother of the victim, firmly demand that those who plotted to harm the Third Prince be severely punished.
Consort Zhuang's situation would then become more passive.
In the future, even if it's just because they have a common enemy, Shen Zhinian will still take better care of this mother and son.
This was the opportunity she was offering to Consort Tong.
however……
Under the watchful eyes of many, Consort Tong's face turned deathly pale. She dared not look at the kneeling Consort Zhuang, nor at Shen Zhinian: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty..."
"Your Majesty, I am foolish and ignorant..."
"Such a momentous matter... Your Majesty, I dare not speak presumptuously... Everything... everything is left to Your Majesty's wise decision!"
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty will surely seek justice for the Third Prince..."
As soon as she finished speaking, Consort Tong lowered her head deeply again.
She could never stand up.
They were afraid of offending Consort Zhuang if they made a rash statement, and they were also afraid of offending the Imperial Noble Consort, or getting caught up in a deeper vortex.
Shen Zhinian didn't speak again, the expectation in her eyes slowly faded, and she shook her head in her heart.
That's it.
Everyone has their own destiny; you can't force it.
If Consort Tong chooses to remain timid, then so be it.
However, after this incident, the situation for this mother and son in the harem will likely become even more difficult.
Consort Tong's timid reaction was interpreted in a completely different light by the other concubines.
Many people feel a sense of disappointment and frustration that their children are not living up to their potential.
That's the Third Prince!
No matter what, he is His Majesty's eldest prince!
Even with a lowly mother and mediocre background, the title of the eldest son of the emperor was an asset in itself!
If they were to raise the eldest prince, even if they didn't expect him to compete for the throne, they could at least gain status through their son, have more confidence in the harem, and speak and act with more authority.
This would allow them to legitimately compete for better resources, and perhaps they could even improve the Third Prince's health.
Unfortunately, His Majesty had long ago entrusted this pitiful yet noble child to Consort Tong, a hopeless case!
Look at her now, her son was almost killed, and she doesn't dare to say a word, only crying and hoping for His Majesty's help.
What a waste of her status as the mother of the eldest prince!
Many people felt both annoyed and secretly jealous when they saw Consort Tong cowering in fear.
If I had a prince, I would never have ended up like this!
Nangong Xuanyu took in all of this.
Consort Tong's cowardice.
The concubines' hidden discontent.
Consort Zhuang appeared weak, but in reality, she was unyielding...
The emperor naturally understood the veiled meaning in Consort Zhuang's words and was also aware of the Zhuang family's influence.
Affairs within the imperial harem are so complex that a single action can have far-reaching consequences.
For emperors, balance and stability are often more important than the pursuit of perfect truth.
Especially when this "truth" could trigger a major upheaval in the court and the harem.
He didn't entirely believe that Consort Zhuang was innocent. But the Zhuang family's influence forced him to be even more cautious.
"All right!"
Nangong Xuanyu finally spoke: "There are still doubts about this matter, and we cannot rush to a conclusion."
"Su Quanye".
Su Quanye immediately stepped forward: "This servant is here!"
He investigated cases in the Censorate for ten years, and his heart had grown colder than the instruments of torture.
He was well-versed in the rules of survival in the palace and the ways of the emperor.
Many times, when turmoil arose in the harem, His Majesty was not entirely unaware of the inside story. He simply lacked the time and patience to expose every demon and monster lurking in the shadows.
More often than not, what His Majesty wants is simply to quickly quell the incident, maintain a semblance of stability, and allow him to focus on state affairs.
As for who was wronged and who benefited, the emperor didn't care as long as it didn't cross his bottom line or cause greater turmoil.
But today's situation is clearly different.
This involves the imperial heir, and is no small matter.
The Imperial Concubine comes from a distinguished family and holds a high position. Su Quanye understood that when His Majesty used this tone to order him to continue the investigation, it meant he was serious.
Due to the short time allotted and His Majesty's personal presence, he only had time to interrogate Physician Qin and Xiao Yizi, obtain basic statements, and stabilize the situation.
Now, the investigation needs to be more thorough.
After Su Quanye left, he instructed, "...Have the two of you immediately check all the medical records and medicine inventory records that Physician Qin has handled. If any records involve the Third Prince or Changchun Palace, retrieve and verify them all."
"Interrogate the physicians and apprentices who are on good terms with Physician Qin. Pay attention to any unusual interactions or people who have suddenly become wealthy recently."
"Let's check the Imperial Medical Academy again. Are there any physicians with close ties to Changchun Palace?"
"The imperial physician responsible for taking the Third Prince's pulse daily should also be thoroughly investigated regarding his recent whereabouts and statements!"
The trusted aide replied, "We understand!"
Su Quanye then looked at another person and continued, "Xiao Yizi has served in Changchun Palace for many years. Send someone out of the palace to investigate his family situation, to see if he has suddenly acquired any properties, and whether his family members have acted strangely."
"Interrogate the eunuchs who shared a room with him or were on good terms with him separately, to see if he has recently had any private contact with anyone, or said anything unusual. Has he been acting suspiciously or suddenly become overly generous?"
The man acknowledged the order and replied, "Yes!"
Finally, Su Quanye said, "Also, send someone reliable to Jingyang Palace. Talk to the nannies and wet nurses who serve the Third Prince and see if there's anything unusual about his condition."