Xia Ruqing patted her chest and took a deep breath.

"That..."

"No need to panic, take the things away!"

After speaking, she stood up, ready to leave.

In this situation, is there any need to stay longer?!

Zi Yue and Zi Su were filled with righteous indignation, and resentment brewed in their hearts.

’That old witch, daring to practice witchcraft in the palace! Simply hateful!’

’According to palace rules and court laws, this is punishable by death!’

’Empress Dowager Zhen, oh Empress Dowager Zhen, just you wait!’

Thinking this, they took their things and walked out.

However.

Just as the group of master and servant were about to step out of the palace gates.

Empress Dowager Zhen suddenly rushed forward like a madwoman, knocking Xia Ruqing to the ground from behind.

"You bitch, it’s all your fault!"

"It’s all your fault!"

"You killed my son!"

A piercing voice came from behind.

Xia Ruqing sensed something was wrong, wanting to turn her head for a glance, but it was too late.

"Ah!"

An uncontrolled scream slipped out.

Xia Ruqing watched helplessly as the doorstep grew closer and closer.

Finally, with a "thud," she fell to the ground.

Pain!

Knees hurt so much, head hurts so much! Arms hurt too, and hands ache!

The stars danced before her eyes as she felt dizzy and finally, everything went black.

"Your Highness!"

"Empress!"

"Someone! Quickly, someone!"

"Summon the Imperial Physician! The Empress has fainted!"

Zi Yue and Zi Su were terrified, Ninghe Palace was in chaos.

...

When she opened her eyes again.

Xia Ruqing looked at the familiar canopy above her.

Smelling the faint fragrance of medicine in the room, and... the subtle scent of ambergris.

A feeling of sweetness mixed with confusion filled her heart.

"Huh?"

"What’s happening to me?"

Zhao Junyao was indeed beside her.

He leaned over to look at her, his eyes unable to hide his worry.

"You’re awake?"

His voice was gentle, filled with intense concern.

Xia Ruqing attempted to get up but was held down by Zhao Junyao.

"Don’t move!"

"Your Majesty, what’s wrong with me?"

Zhao Junyao’s gaze was sharp.

"It’s nothing, you just took a fall!"

Xia Ruqing instantly recalled the bits and pieces at Ninghe Palace, suddenly enlightened.

"That..."

"About Empress Dowager Zhen, Your Majesty, you are aware, right?"

According to palace rules, practicing witchcraft is a capital offense.

But the Fifth Prince has just died, if she were to be executed on any charges now.

It would seem unreasonable to outsiders, making the Royal Family appear as though it’s bullying an orphan and widow.

Therefore... the matter needs careful consideration.

Zhao Junyao tousled her hair.

"Qingqing, you don’t need to worry about these matters!"

"You just need to focus on recovering!"

Then he gently touched her bandaged head, softly asked.

"Does it still hurt?"

Xia Ruqing: "..."

The bright sunlight streamed in through the finely carved window lattice.

The strands of gold just touched his perfectly flawless profile.

His gaze was fiery, staring at her intensely, his eyes filled with an overflowing affection.

Xia Ruqing felt waves of warmth flooding her heart, she felt as if she was about to bubble up with happiness.

"That..."

"What’s with you, Your Majesty?!"

"I... I don’t hurt anymore!"

Oh heavens, after all these years as husband and wife.

He’s still staring at me like this.

And she’s still blushing.

Indeed, beauty is justice, and being handsome is unbeatable.

...

This incident ended quite simply.

No investigation, nor any conclusions, it was just left afloat like that.

Fortunately, not many people knew.

It did not stir up gossip and chaos in the harem.

All people knew was the Empress accidentally fell at Ninghe Palace, nothing more.

As time went on, the incident gradually faded from memory.

Just when everyone was about to shelve this matter from their minds.

Zhao Junyao suddenly issued an order.

"Empress Dowager Zhen is unwell, she needs tranquility and rest! She’s granted residence in the Imperial Monastery, to recite prayers and abstain, seeking blessings from the merciful Buddha! Once she recovers, she will return to the harem!"

A decree spawned numerous speculations.

But Zhao Junyao commanded that all information be sealed off.

Those in the know didn’t dare utter a word.

Those unaware had nowhere to inquire, nor dared to discuss.

The matter gradually slipped into oblivion.

...

To appear as if there’s no investigation doesn’t mean there’s none in secret.

That’s also why he has not executed her yet.

Empress Dowager Zhen practicing witchcraft is indeed puzzling.

For one, she’s been through rise and fall in the palace for half a lifetime, it’s impossible for her to be that stupid, nor would she recklessly risk everything for such an obvious thing.

Secondly, although the death of the Fifth Prince was a significant blow, Empress Dowager Zhen still has the Sixth Prince, and given her doting nature, she couldn’t have gone mad, acting crazily.

In the Imperial Study Room.

Zhao Junyao stared fixedly at the three fabric dolls, deep in thought.

Li Shengan knelt at the side, sweating profusely, not daring to say a word.

He didn’t even dare to lift his head.

Witchcraft, such a thing upon contact spelled death.

Especially someone like himself, a servant.

Should the Emperor be displeased, it wouldn’t be impossible to take it out on him by chopping off heads!

He was genuinely afraid!

After an unknown period, Zhao Junyao narrowed his long eyes slightly, instructing calmly.

"What fabric are these?"

"Responding to Your Majesty, one is Blue and White Wrought, one is Shu Brocade, and one is Floating Light Brocade!"

In response to imperial orders, he had meticulously researched every detail.

Including the smell, handwriting, lining, everything was investigated thoroughly.

Even the number and position of the needle punctures were noted without omission.

Zhao Junyao was satisfied with his methods.

Nodding slightly, he then asked.

"Blue and White Wrought, this fabric seems uncommon!"

Li Shengan quickly replied.

"Your Majesty, you are correct!"

"This fabric, although incredibly precious, is too understated in color, so the concubines do not favor wearing it!"

"Therefore..."

Zhao Junyao nodded.

"So this fabric is owned only by the older generations in the palace?!"

Li Shengan nodded vigorously.

Zhao Junyao pondered a while longer, asked.

"You mentioned this fabric is precious?!"

"Indeed, Your Majesty!" Li Shengan continued.

"This Blue and White Wrought is created by wild green silkworms, its threads are a subtle green hue, and the woven fabric naturally displays a pale green color with no dye needed and glimmers with fluorescence, smoother than pearls, brighter than gemstones!"

"Due to the scarcity of these silkworms, the fabric is extremely valuable!"

Zhao Junyao asked again.

"How many pieces come in each year, who holds them?"

Li Shengan calculated.

"Responding to Your Majesty, only one or two pieces per year!"

"The old servant has traced the whereabouts of these fabrics, the Empress Dowager has the most, and the Imperial Noble Consort also has some!"

"The Empress Dowager?"

Zhao Junyao gently squinted his eyes, deep in thought.

Myself, who was trapped in an extremely complex maze just moments ago.

This moment felt like finding a glimmer of light suddenly.

It was like an unyielding wall finally cracked open a little.

The feeling of finding hope amidst utter despair was so poignant and awaited with much anticipation.