A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1155: Indulging in Witchcraft and Gu

Xia Ruqing patted her chest, taking a deep, steadying breath.

"That..."

"No need for panic; just take the items away!"

With that said, she stood, preparing to depart. After all, why linger in such a situation?

Zi Yue and Zi Su were filled with righteous anger, their hearts churning with indignation. 'That vile old woman, practicing witchcraft within the palace walls! It's utterly detestable!' 'According to the palace rules and imperial laws, this is a crime punishable by death!' 'Empress Dowager Zhen, oh Empress Dowager Zhen, you mark my words!' With these thoughts, they gathered the belongings and exited.

However.

Just as the group, mistress and servants, were about to step beyond the palace gates, Empress Dowager Zhen suddenly charged forward like a wild woman, shoving Xia Ruqing from behind and sending her sprawling.

"You wretched woman, this is all your fault!"

"It’s all because of you!"

"You killed my son!"

A piercing shriek erupted from behind them.

Xia Ruqing sensed immediate danger and tried to turn her head, but it was too late.

"Ah!"

An involuntary scream escaped her lips. Xia Ruqing could only watch helplessly as the ground rushed up to meet her.

With a dull thud, she landed heavily on the floor. Pain! Her knees throbbed, her head hammered, her arms ached, and her hands stung! Stars swirled before her eyes, dizziness washed over her, and then, everything went black.

"Your Highness!"

"Empress!"

"Someone! Quickly, summon help!"

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

Zi Yue and Zi Su were thrown into a panic, and chaos erupted within Ninghe Palace.

...

When her eyes fluttered open once more, Xia Ruqing gazed up at the familiar bed canopy. The air in the room carried a faint scent of medicinal herbs, mingled with... the subtle aroma of ambergris. A feeling of bewildered sweetness spread through her heart.

"Huh?"

"What happened to me?"

Zhao Junyao was indeed by her side. He leaned in to look at her, his eyes betraying a deep well of worry.

"You’re awake?"

His voice was gentle, laced with palpable concern.

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

"Don’t move!"

"Your Majesty, what is wrong with me?"

Zhao Junyao’s gaze was sharp. "It’s nothing serious, you simply took a tumble!"

Xia Ruqing’s mind instantly flashed back to the events at Ninghe Palace, and understanding dawned.

"That..."

"Regarding Empress Dowager Zhen, Your Majesty, you are aware of the situation, correct?"

By the rules of the palace, practicing witchcraft was a capital offense. However, with the Fifth Prince having just passed, her immediate execution on any charge would appear unseemly to outsiders, casting the Royal Family in the light of persecuting an orphan and a widow. Therefore, the matter required delicate handling.

Zhao Junyao gently ruffled her hair.

"Qingqing, you need not concern yourself with these affairs!"

"Your only task is to focus on your recovery!"

He then softly touched her bandaged head, asking with quiet tenderness, "Does it still ache?"

Xia Ruqing: "..."

Bright sunlight streamed through the intricately carved window lattice, casting golden shafts that illuminated his flawless profile. His gaze was intense, fixed upon her with an overflowing affection that filled His eyes. Xia Ruqing felt a wave of warmth flood her heart, as if she might simply effervesce with happiness.

"That..."

"What is it, Your Majesty?!"

"I... I don't feel any pain anymore!"

Good heavens, after all these years as husband and wife, he still looked at her like that. And she still found herself blushing. Indeed, beauty is its own justice, and being handsome is an unbeatable weapon.

...

The incident concluded with surprising simplicity. There was no formal investigation, no definitive pronouncements; it was simply left unresolved, like a floating cloud. Fortunately, only a few were privy to the full details, thus avoiding any widespread gossip or turmoil within the harem. The common understanding was merely that the Empress had accidentally fallen at Ninghe Palace, nothing more. As time passed, the matter gradually receded from public memory.

Just as everyone was about to consign the incident to oblivion, Zhao Junyao suddenly issued an imperial decree.

"Empress Dowager Zhen is indisposed and requires peace and quiet for her recovery! She is granted residence at the Imperial Monastery to engage in prayer and seclusion, seeking blessings from the merciful Buddha! Upon her complete recovery, she shall be permitted to return to the harem!"

This edict ignited a flurry of speculation. However, Zhao Junyao strictly forbade any dissemination of information. Those in the know dared not breathe a word, while those unaware had no means to inquire and certainly no courage to discuss it. The matter slowly dissolved into obscurity.

...

The appearance of no investigation does not equate to the absence of a secret one. This is precisely why she has not yet faced execution. Empress Dowager Zhen's dabbling in witchcraft remains a perplexing puzzle.

For one, having navigated the palace's ups and downs for a significant portion of her life, it's improbable she would be so foolish, nor would she carelessly jeopardize everything for such an obvious ploy.

Secondly, despite the severe blow from the Fifth Prince's demise, Empress Dowager Zhen still has the Sixth Prince. Given her indulgent nature, it’s unlikely she would have descended into madness or acted with such irrationality.

Inside the Imperial Study Room.

Zhao Junyao's gaze was fixed upon the three fabric dolls, lost in contemplation.

Li Shengan knelt by his side, drenched in sweat and too terrified to utter a sound.

He didn't even dare to raise his head.

Witchcraft—direct involvement with such matters meant certain death.

This was especially true for someone of his status, a mere servant.

Should the Emperor's displeasure fall upon him, losing his head would not be an unthinkable consequence!

His fear was palpable.

After an indeterminate interval, Zhao Junyao's long eyes narrowed slightly, and he instructed with a calm demeanor.

"What sort of fabric are these?"

"Replying to Your Majesty, one is Blue and White Wrought, another is Shu Brocade, and the last is Floating Light Brocade!"

In obedience to the imperial command, Li Shengan had painstakingly investigated every minute detail.

This included the scent, the handwriting, the inner lining—everything was thoroughly scrutinized.

Even the precise number and placement of every needle puncture had been meticulously recorded.

Zhao Junyao seemed pleased with his thoroughness.

Giving a slight nod, he then inquired,

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

Li Shengan promptly responded,

"Your Majesty's observation is indeed correct!"

"While this fabric is exceptionally precious, its colors are too understated, which is why the consorts do not often favor wearing it!"

"Consequently..."

Zhao Junyao nodded his understanding.

"Therefore, this fabric is exclusively possessed by the elder members within the palace?"

Li Shengan nodded emphatically.

Zhao Junyao mused for another moment before asking,

"You mentioned this fabric is quite valuable?"

"Indeed, Your Majesty!" Li Shengan continued his explanation.

"This Blue and White Wrought is meticulously crafted from the threads of wild green silkworms. Its inherent threads possess a subtle verdant hue, causing the woven fabric to naturally exhibit a pale green coloration without the need for any dyes. It shimmers with a natural fluorescence, appearing smoother than pearls and more brilliant than any gemstone!"

"Due to the extreme rarity of these specific silkworms, the resulting fabric commands an exceptionally high price!"

Zhao Junyao's questioning continued.

"How many pieces are produced annually, and who are the recipients of this material?"

Li Shengan provided an estimate.

"Responding to Your Majesty, typically only one or two pieces are produced each year!"

"This old servant has thoroughly traced the distribution of these fabrics; the Empress Dowager possesses the largest quantity, and the Imperial Noble Consort also holds a few pieces!"

"The Empress Dowager?"

Zhao Junyao's eyes narrowed gently as he sank back into deep contemplation.

Having been ensnared in an incredibly intricate labyrinth mere moments ago,

He now felt as if a faint glimmer of light had suddenly pierced through the darkness.

It was akin to an insurmountable wall finally yielding, cracking open just a sliver.

The profound sensation of discovering hope amidst absolute despair was so poignant, so long-awaited.