Chapter 77: Chapter 77: Concubine De and Concubine Hui's specifics...

Concubine De and Concubine Hui's specifics were simple and crude, with evidence and witnesses all arranged. The central premise was that Concubine Yi had tampered with the Seventh Princess's medicine, causing her condition to worsen and now teetering on the brink of death. The

Seventh Princess's condition was indeed deteriorating day by day. Kangxi, despite his busy schedule, tried to find time to visit his daughter. Seeing that the Seventh Princess's condition had worsened instead of improving, he was furious. Concubine De, seizing an opportunity, pointed out that something was amiss. After checking the Seventh Princess's diet, she discovered that the medicine had been tampered with.

"Tell me everything," Kangxi asked grimly, his expressionless face fixed on the kneeling imperial physician.

Concubine De sat by the Seventh Princess's bedside, silently weeping. The Fifth Princess, clueless, followed her mother beside her, tears streaming down her face as she watched her sister's weak breathing.

The imperial physician, sweating profusely, trembled as he spoke, "The Seventh Princess's illness is very severe this time. After consultation, we increased the dosage of the medicine. However, for some reason, the amount of Scutellaria baicalensis, Ginkgo biloba, and Morus alba bark, which should have been increased by two parts, was reduced by three parts. This has greatly reduced the effectiveness of the medicine, and the Seventh Princess's condition has... worsened."

After all, the Seventh Princess was now nine years old. Unlike children who died at birth, she had already formed a bond with Emperor Kangxi. Therefore, Emperor Kangxi had assigned five or six pediatric physicians from the Imperial Hospital to treat the Seventh Princess, but her condition only worsened.

They hadn't expected someone to tamper with the Seventh Princess's medicine.

The imperial physicians were baffled. They obtained their medicine daily from Yonghe Palace, which was then prepared by Empress Defei's personal maids. How could the Seventh Princess's medicine have been tampered with without outside intervention?

After hearing this, Concubine De was also on the verge of collapse. She threw herself into Kangxi's arms with tears in her eyes: "Your Majesty, someone wants to harm our little seven. She is only nine years old. She has been in poor health since childhood. Now she has suffered such a crime. As her mother, I am to blame for this."

The fifth princess also started crying, holding her sister's hand and crying.

Kangxi's forehead suddenly throbbed. "Who handles the Seventh Princess's medicine?"

"My humble servants and I personally prepare the Seventh Princess's medicine every day, and then give it to Aunt Dongyue to boil."

Dongyue, upon hearing this, plopped down on her knees and said, "Your Majesty, I personally boil the Seventh Princess's medicine every day without neglecting a single detail. I boil all the medicine the Imperial Physician gives me."

Defei hesitated for a moment and whispered, "Your Majesty, Dongyue has been serving me since I entered the palace. I believe there should be no mistakes."

Kangxi looked at the trembling Dongyue and asked coldly, "Did the Seventh Princess's medicine only pass through your hands?"

Dongyue trembled and nodded quickly.

"Take her away and hand her over to the Ministry of Punishment for questioning," Kangxi said calmly.

Dongyue suddenly raised her head and cried out in injustice. Defei, watching her being dragged away, showed a look of pity

on her face: "Your Majesty..." "As your mother, you are truly to blame for the problems surrounding you." Kangxi's sharp gaze sent a shiver through Defei's heart, and for a moment, she thought he had seen through their tricks.

Fortunately, Kangxi said nothing further, simply saying that since the Seventh Princess was seriously ill, he didn't bother to question her. He told her to take good care of her and left.

Xia Yun stepped forward to help Defei, who nearly fell, and sent the imperial physicians back down to prepare fresh medicine.

"Your Majesty, you must remain calm for now. Don't let the Emperor notice anything."

Ever since Yinzhen was taken away, Defei had believed she had devoted all her remaining children to her heart. Even if she favored the Fourteenth Prince, how could she not feel for the two daughters who were by her side every day? But now, she was risking her own daughters' lives for her son's future, a fate that kept her awake at night.

Concubine De patted her heart and sat down, unwilling to look at the dying Seventh Princess lying on the bed. She had the palace servants take the Fifth Princess away as well. After a moment's pause, she asked, "Is everything ready for Concubine Hui?" "

Your Majesty, don't worry. Concubine Hui sent someone to inform us early this morning. This time, everything will be foolproof." Xia Yun offered a cup of tea and said, "We've kept Dongyue as a spy for so many years, and she's finally been of some use."

By the time Wen Shan heard the news, rumors of the Seventh Princess's medicine being tampered with had already spread like wildfire.

Fortunately, this incident occurred within Yonghe Palace, otherwise Wen Shan, now nominally in charge of the harem, would have been in dire straits.

Little Tong Jia, who actually served as assistant to the Sixth Palace, also sensed danger this time and, for once, refrained from advancing, remaining steadfast within her own palace.

"Your Majesty, what do you think of the Yonghe Palace incident?"

Rumo, Tong Jia's maidservant, couldn't help but ask, observing her calmly sewing.

After all, there had been a plot to murder the heir to the throne within the palace, and logically, Concubine Xuan and her mistress should have gone to Yonghe Palace to investigate.

However, everyone in the palace was well aware of the feud between Concubine Xuan and Concubine De, and even more so, Concubine Xuan's lack of involvement in palace affairs. Therefore, even the

Emperor didn't complain about Concubine Xuan's refusal. As for Little Tong Jia's refusal, Rumo worried that Kangxi would think she was failing to manage the harem effectively.

"She's having a grand performance in her own palace, what's the point of going?" Little Tong Jia lazily replied, "I'm too lazy to go and support her."

Little Tong Jia had been in the palace for over a year and had a good understanding of the personalities of the high-ranking concubines. Concubine De was arguably the most cunning of them all, and the thought of her assassinating her daughter in her own palace was bizarre. So, although Little Tong Jia hadn't sent anyone to investigate, her initial suspicion was that it was Concubine De's own doing, trying to exploit her frail and dying daughter.

Anyone who steps forward at this moment is a fool; it's better to call in sick and watch the show.

"Father instructed us before entering the palace that, besides planning for the Tonggiya clan, we must also assist Concubine Xuan and the Eighth Prince. Why rush ahead of Concubine Xuan?" Little Tonggiya stretched and sent a maid to make a bowl of bird's nest.

Rumo had served Little Tonggiya since she was a child, and they could talk about anything. Their master-servant bond was so deep that they could even share private conversations. Hearing Little Tonggiya's words, Rumo said, puzzled, "I've always been puzzled. The Fourth and Eighth Princes are both Concubine Xuan's adopted sons, and the Fourth Prince was even raised by our eldest daughter for several years. Why..."

"Why doesn't Father support the Fourth Prince?" Little Tonggiya glanced at Rumo. Rumo

nodded. It seemed that the Fourth Prince had a deeper connection with the Tonggiya clan; their eldest daughter's dowry had even been entrusted to the Fourth Prince.

"We'll just do whatever Father says."

Little Tong Jia waved her hand and asked Rumo to go and talk to Longkodo and take the news out of the palace.

Concubine Yi was not a fool. As soon as Dongyue was taken to the Ministry of Punishment, she knew what Concubine De and Concubine Hui were planning, because Dongyue was indeed a spy she planted in Yonghe Palace.

It's just that she never ordered Dongyue to take action against the Seventh Princess, but her secret dealings with Dongyue were real. Once it was confirmed that Dongyue was from the Yikun Palace, she would never be able to wash it off even if she jumped into the Yellow River.

"The news of the noble concubine is indeed correct. Concubine De has come with bad intentions this time, Your Majesty." Xuelu, the personal maid of Concubine Yi, was worried.

Concubine Yi thought for a while and asked, "Dongyue has been in the Ministry of Punishment for two hours. Has any news come out?"

"That girl is quite loyal and hasn't betrayed us yet," Xuelu whispered. "But, Your Majesty, I'm afraid she won't be able to withstand the punishment from the Ministry of Punishment. Under torture, she'll inevitably confide in us. Otherwise, let's put an end to her." Xuelu

pondered this situation, concluding that this was a dead end. The only solution now was to silence Dongyue, forever silencing her.

"No, not to mention the fact that trying to hide something only makes it more obvious. Concubine De is probably waiting for me to give up and fall into their trap." Concubine Yi lowered her eyes in thought, "But what has Concubine Hui done in this?"

Wenshan had informed her that this was a conspiracy between Concubine De and Concubine Hui.

Concubine De was clearly involved, but Concubine Hui had yet to surface. Even Wenshan, not just Concubine Yi, found it strange. Concubine De and Concubine Hui had always been led by Concubine Hui, while Concubine De remained hidden. But this time, the situation was reversed.

However, their plot was truly top secret. Even Yinsi only knew they were colluding to use the Seventh Princess to frame Concubine Yi; the details would have to wait until they took action.

Furthermore, Yinsi had a trick up his sleeve. Despite his close relationships with the Fifth and Ninth Princes, he couldn't reveal too much to Concubine Yi. This time, it was up to Concubine Yi to improvise.

Wenshan and Concubine Yi soon discovered Huifei's intentions. Concubine Hui had gone to see Little Tong Jia and explained that the Grand Empress Dowager's death anniversary was approaching, and as a token of the emperor's favor, she wanted to release a group of eligible maids from the palace.

Little Tong Jia was completely bewildered by Huifei's actions. The Grand Empress Dowager's death anniversary was indeed approaching, and the palace had already prepared the copied scriptures and sacrificial offerings. Huifei's sudden request to release a group of maids from the palace was unusual, as she hadn't been close to the Grand Empress Dowager before. Although this had happened before, it was strange that Huifei and the Grand Empress Dowager had come to make such a surprising suggestion.

So, Little Tong Jia could only prevaricate by saying she needed to discuss things with Wen Shan.

"The Imperial Concubine Xuan is now the most respected in the palace. Although I assist in the six palaces, I dare not go beyond her," Little Tong Jia said with a smile.

Concubine Hui forced a smile: "Of course."

She had deliberately not gone to Concubine Xuan because she was close to Concubine Yi and she was afraid of any problems. How could she not know that the Imperial Concubine Xuan was now the most respected in the harem?

After learning about this, Concubine De was almost suffocated by her teammate.

"How could she go directly to Concubine Tong?" Concubine De gritted her teeth. "What an idiot!"

Isn't this just trying to cover up the truth?

Their plan was to be quick, to complete the task before Concubine Yi could react. Now being held back by Little Tong Jia would be troublesome.

"Don't worry, Your Majesty," Xia Yun thought, a plan coming to mind. "This is a good idea. If things don't go our way, we can blame it on Concubine Hui."

Concubine De's anger subsided, and she felt it made sense.

He should have left himself a way out. It would have

been better if this idiot had left a little loophole.

Little Tong Jia brought Concubine Hui with her to see Wen Shan without delay, and Concubine Hui repeated her previous remarks to Wen Shan.

"I think what Concubine Hui said has some truth, but the Imperial Concubine is still the most respected within the Six Palaces, and I dare not interfere. So, I will go with Concubine Hui to report to the Imperial Concubine." Little Tong Jia's words were subtle and flattering to Concubine Hui.

Concubine Hui fidgeted uncomfortably, forcing a forced smile. "I was also undecided, so I thought I'd consult with Sister Tong."

It just so happened that Fucha had come to Xianfu Palace today and sat nearby, listening. Little Tongjia glanced at the dignified Fucha and suddenly said, "Your Highness is truly blessed. The Fourth Lady is graceful and elegant, a truly lovely woman." Concubine

Hui glanced over. She had been too nervous to pay much attention to Fucha, but now she saw she was truly exceptional.

"Your Highness Tong, you are so kind," Fucha said with measured words. "It's simply because you ladies have not rejected me. I don't take your words for granted."

Concubine Hui placed her hand to her lips and coughed lightly a few times, trying to bring the subject back.

"Your Highness, what do you think about the matter of releasing the palace maids..."

Wen Shan observed the little Tong Jia, who clearly wanted to stay out of the matter. Wen Shan also knew that Concubine Hui must have other motives. However, the request was quite legitimate. During the reign of Concubine Wenxi, hundreds of palace maids of marriageable age were released from the palace to marry on the anniversary of the death of the Grand Empress Dowager. Given their past relationship, Wen Shan couldn't refuse.

In the end, the matter was only half-heartedly agreed to after it was reported to Emperor Kangxi. However, Kangxi still asked the little Tong Jia to take charge of the matter and complete it before the anniversary of the death of the Grand Empress Dowager.

After Concubine Hui and Concubine Tong left, Wen Shan and Fu Cha chatted about family matters. Wen Shan recalled the look that the little Tong Jia had given Fu Cha just now, and then thought that the two seemed to be of similar age. Could they have been close friends before they got married?

Wen Shan asked Fu Cha, who smiled and said, "Not a close friend. I've only met Concubine Tong a few times at home. Concubine Tong was a renowned beauty in the capital at the time, and the younger sister of Empress Xiaoyi was incredibly prestigious." It was quite

unpredictable that two people of similar age were now "mother-in-law and daughter-in-law."

At this point, Wen Shan couldn't help but curse Kangxi internally. It was a sin to send this young girl, only sixteen or seventeen, into the palace to serve him.

Although Wen Shan knew that Tong Jia's entry into the palace had stronger political implications and that she clearly enjoyed it, she couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion when she saw her younger sister, who was about the same age as Fu Cha and had known her in the inner chambers.

Fucha knew Wenshan loved to hear gossip. After a moment's thought, she added, "Your Highness, you may not know that before Concubine Tong entered the palace, my father had proposed marriage to Tong Jia, but Master Tong had declined."

This happened before Concubine Tong entered the palace, so the proposal wasn't a big deal.

Wenshan's eyes widened. "Proposing marriage for your brother?"

Did Concubine Tong almost become Fucha's sister-in-law?

Fucha shook her head gently. "My brother already has a wife. My father proposed marriage on behalf of Fourth Uncle. I remembered that your Highness had also inquired about Fourth Uncle's marriage, so I'm telling you about it."

Li Rongbao and the young Tong Jia were indeed suitable in terms of age and family background. However, Ma Qi hadn't anticipated that the young Tong Jia would be sent to the palace. He had only mentioned it to Tong Guowei and was rejected, so it wasn't really a serious proposal.

Wenshan wondered why the young Tong Jia had been so strange towards Fucha earlier. So there was this connection.

Little Tong Jia had now become the emperor's concubine, so it was understandable that this matter couldn't be publicly announced. However, Wen Shan, who loved to hear such gossip, had only been told to entertain her.

Fu Cha chatted with Wen Shan for a while before returning to Chonghua Palace with bags of snacks. When Yinzhen returned that evening, she was having the palace maids pack up the snacks and deliver them to Ma Jia and Ulanara's rooms.

"Fourth Master is back," Fu Cha greeted him with a smile, asking, "Will Fourth Master dine with Mother at Xianfu Palace today?" Yinzhen

shook his head. "Fifth, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, and Thirteenth Brothers will be dining later. Tell the kitchen to prepare some extra food."

Fu Cha's eyes flickered as she agreed with a smile. Before leaving, she informed Yinzhen that Concubine Hui was planning to release a group of palace maids today.

"I have also offered copied scriptures to the Empress Dowager's Buddhist temple. Today, after hearing what Concubine Hui said, I thought of releasing a group of palace maids from Chonghua Palace. What do you think, Fourth Master?"

Yinzhen paused for a moment while drinking his tea: "Since the Emperor has agreed, it will be up to you to draw up a list for Concubine Tong."

Fucha nodded and went out to prepare dinner.

"Madam, we don't have many masters in Chonghua Palace. If we want to lay off the palace servants, what about the two concubines..." Fucha's maidservant hesitated for a moment and whispered.

Fucha had only recently married, and if she mishandled this matter, she would inevitably be accused of mistreating the two concubines.

Fucha remained calm and said, "Starting with our palace, release a few people from each palace, especially those who are constantly fiddling around and not doing their jobs. Take this opportunity to expel them."

"Madam, don't worry. Those people are doing menial tasks and can be dealt with easily."

A short while later, the Fifth Prince, leading the first few princes, arrived at Chonghua Palace in a grand procession.

"Fourth brother, now that you're living in Chonghua Palace, we finally have a place to gather." The Fifth Prince, with a playful smile, approached Yinzhen and said, "Why isn't Fourth Sister-in-law

here?" "She's preparing dinner for you, a greedy person." Yinzhen gave him a helpless look.

The Fifth Prince dropped his smile and peered around again.

"Fourth brother, where's Fuqi? Why isn't he here?"

The Fifth Prince came today not only to eat but also to see Fuqi because he heard that

Fuqi was not feeling well. Heidou had left two years ago, and it was unexpected that

Fuqi would leave so soon. Yinzhen pointed to the east

and the Fifth Prince ran over to see Fuqi. The Ninth Prince and the Tenth Prince just followed Yinsi to join in the fun. The relationship between the two of them and Yinzhen had always been average, but the Eighth Prince always treated the Fourth Prince as a brother. Although the Eighth Prince would not be lenient in matters of state, he still respected the Fourth Prince very much

in private. The Ninth Prince and the Tenth Prince also privately criticized Yinsi for sometimes switching between two forms at any time. They didn't know what was so close about the Fourth Brother with his cold face all day long.

Yinxiang and Yinzhen were well known for their closeness. Since he was young, he ran to Yinzhen and talked a lot.

Yinsi, the Ninth Prince, and the Tenth Prince sat down at the table and said impatiently, "What are you talking about, Thirteenth Brother? Tell us too."

Yinxiang smiled and shook his finger, "Don't say it, don't say it."

Yinzhen touched Yinxiang's head and turned to look at the three sitting there, "Eighth Brother, Ninth Brother, Tenth Brother, if you want to eat anything, just let us know and we'll prepare it."

"Okay, today is the first time Fourth Brother has invited us to dinner, so I won't be polite." The Tenth Prince smiled innocently, rubbing his hands together and really preparing to eat something delicious to make Yinzhen bleed.

Since Concubine Wenxi passed away, the Tenth Prince had a closer relationship with the Ninth Prince and Yinsi. Yinsi would also take special care of this younger brother who lost his mother at a young age. The Tenth Prince thought for a moment and asked Yinsi what he wanted to eat.

"The cooking skills at Chonghua Palace probably can't compare to Mother's. Anything is fine." Yinsi raised an eyebrow and said, "Fourth brother, I heard Mother sent quite a few things over today. Don't be so reserved."

Wen Shan had indeed asked Fucha to bring back quite a few things today, and Yinsi, with his sharp ears, had already noticed it.

Yinzhen: "..."

Yinsi really did eat and take things whenever he came to his place. It was obvious that Mother loved him the most, and if he just acted coquettishly with her, she would cook everything for him.

Fucha happened to come in and heard what Yinsi said. She smiled and said, "Just as my eighth brother said, mother made a lot of snacks and fruits today. I was thinking of picking some for you brothers to try."

Several people stood up and greeted Fucha. Fucha came here for a serious matter. She smiled and said, "Fourth Master, someone just came to report that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and the eldest prince, the third prince, and the fourteenth prince are also coming here for a chat. They will be here soon."

Yinzhen and Yinsi glanced at each other inconspicuously. Yinzhen nodded and said, "Then you will have to work harder."

"This is what I should do."

The tenth prince was immediately dissatisfied when he heard that the crown prince and the others were coming.

"What are the crown prince and the eldest brother doing here?"

If the ninth prince and the tenth prince could not be said to like Yinzhen or dislike him, then they really had no good feelings towards the crown prince and the eldest prince.

Especially in the past two years, for some reason, the Fourteenth Prince went from following them to following the Eldest Prince, and they gradually drifted apart. This angered the Tenth Prince, who yelled at him for being ungrateful, considering it was the Eighth Prince who protected him when he was a child.

Yinsi had no reaction to this, saying that everyone has their own aspirations and there was no need to force them.

The Ninth Prince even privately said that the Fourteenth Prince was tactless, choosing to curry favor with the reckless and brainless Eldest Prince.

Yinsi just smiled and said nothing, thinking that this would help him to be the master of his own

affairs in the future. It was the Fifth Prince who originally wanted to come and see Fuqi for the gathering at Chonghua Palace today, and Yinxiang wanted to join in the fun after hearing this. Yinsi thought about it and realized that Yinzhen hadn't treated them to a housewarming meal since moving to Chonghua Palace, so he followed suit. The Ninth and Tenth Princes were just Yinsi's followers.

But the Crown Prince and the Eldest Prince clearly had a purpose in coming.

Yinsi found an opportunity to talk to Yinzhen in private.

"Fourth brother, you are here with bad intentions. We will deal with it later."

Yinzhen nodded slightly: "Concubine Hui has already taken action today. Who knows if tonight..."

"Is it aimed at the fifth brother and the ninth brother? But how did the prince get involved?" Yinsi felt something was wrong. "

Soetu and the prince..." Yinsi whispered: "The prince is here for you."

Yinzhen smiled: "Don't worry, I know what's going on."