You Were the One Who Poisoned the Empress

Now that the Prince Regent had spoken, the guards naturally didn’t dare move.

The Empress Dowager’s dark eyes turned cold. “Mind your own business” nearly slipped from her lips.

Miao Ke’er suddenly laughed, and as she laughed, she began to cry.

“Everyone in the harem schemes against one another, but who can outscheme the Son of Heaven? Three years ago, I saved him in the mountains, and we pledged ourselves to each other for life. After we returned to the palace, he doted on me at first, but he had countless women and soon forgot all about me. Then Sheng Yanhuan came along.”

Miao Ke’er’s eyes reddened, sorrow filling her face.

“His Majesty adored her. He visited her every day and had lunch with her. Whenever he saw her, his face would light up with a smile. I’d never seen him so happy...”

Qi Mohan’s smile faded, and he silently lowered his eyes.

Sheng Yanhuan’s gaze was calm, her expression composed. “So you were the one who poisoned me?”

Miao Ke’er sneered. “Yes! I tried for so many years, drinking medicine every day to regulate my body, but I never got pregnant! And you? You climbed into the imperial bed before your wedding, got pregnant, and have no shame!”

Before Sheng Yanhuan could respond, Meng Siyu’s eyes flickered, and she suddenly stepped forward of her own accord.

“Miao Ke’er! I think you’ve got a death wish! How dare you discuss the Empress and the Emperor? Aunt, look...”

The Empress Dowager pressed her fingers to her temples, feeling a headache coming on.

Every last one of them was a handful.

“Take her away. Take her away.”

Two guards seized Miao Ke’er by the shoulders from behind, preparing to drag her away.

“Meng Siyu, do you think you’re any better? You two-faced hypocrite! The poison in Sheng Yanhuan...”

Meng Siyu gave her a faintly mocking smile and cut her off.

“Gag her!”

“Mmph—” Miao Ke’er’s eyes brimmed with resentment, her heart full of indignation!

Perhaps Heaven took pity on her, or perhaps the rag hadn’t been stuffed in tightly enough. She pushed with her tongue, and the rag fell right out.

“Meng Siyu, you were the one who poisoned the Empress! I wondered why poisoning her had gone so smoothly. So you were behind it all! Your Majesty, those imperial chefs must have been bribed and coerced by her. You’ll find out as soon as you investigate.”

The Empress Dowager’s expression turned icy. “Why are you still standing there? Take her away.”

Miao Ke’er’s eyes reddened. If she couldn’t have it easy, then neither would anyone else!

“Your Majesty! Sheng Yanhuan! If you don’t uncover the truth, sooner or later this woman will have you killed!”

Even after the voice faded away, Sheng Yanhuan kept her eyes lowered and didn’t say a word.

Meng Siyu’s lashes trembled, and she suddenly knelt before her.

“Your Majesty, I’ve been wronged! How could I ever want to harm you?”

Sheng Yanhuan slowly raised her eyes, a faint smile playing at her lips. “Since Mother trusts you, I naturally trust you too.”

The Empress Dowager felt a weight lift from her heart, thinking Sheng Yanhuan knew how to behave.

“Your Majesty, since the person who poisoned you has been found, you must be tired. Noble Consort Meng and I will handle the rest.”

Sheng Yanhuan rose and bowed. “Thank you, Mother, for seeking justice for this consort. You should get some rest early, too.”

“Go on, go on.”

Before long, everyone outside had swarmed away.

Sheng Yanhuan sent all the palace maids out, leaving Fengning Palace quiet and still.

She leaned against the bed and closed her eyes, gathering her thoughts.

Suddenly, a familiar male voice came from nearby.

“You don’t seem like someone who would swallow an insult without a fight.”

Qi Mohan leaned against the doorway, his gaze resting calmly on her pale, bloodless face.

Sheng Yanhuan fell silent, then suddenly smiled faintly.

“That old hag is protecting her. Even if I made a scene, I wouldn’t get anything out of it, and that old hag wouldn’t punish her either. Better to be sensible and let her off this time.”

Qi Mohan lowered his eyes, his expression darkening slightly.

“You went to such lengths to get yourself into this state. Are you really content with that?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll find a chance to get back at her next time.” Sheng Yanhuan had no desire to talk. She pulled back the covers and lay down. “If you have nothing else to do, Your Highness, you should go back.”

Qi Mohan raised his eyes, his gaze darker than before.