After this incident, the harem became bustling again. This time, it couldn't be considered a coincidence, could it? The passing maidservants secretly peeked from behind the corner. Clearly, the emperor was holding the food prepared for the queen in his arms, and the queen had even scared Concubine Lian away.
"Your Majesty, Concubine Luo requests an audience!" A maidservant walked over and reported.
Concubine Luo?
Before Dongfang Yi could say anything, a woman in a light green long dress appeared at the door. The woman gave an impression of cleanliness and freshness, with open and bright eyebrows.
"I don't seem to be familiar with you. And now I've completely offended Concubine Chu and her clique. Everyone else keeps a respectful distance from me. Why are you brave enough to come?"
From her memory, Dongfang Yi knew that Concubine Luo and Concubine Chu had always been at odds. Although the enemy of one's enemy is one's friend, the harem was a treacherous place, and she didn't dare to trust anyone easily.
"Why not? In the past, I thought you were too weak and stupid, being framed without even realizing it. So I looked down on you. But now you're different. You suit my taste. So I've come to congratulate you. Finally, you can gain a foothold in this deep palace." Concubine Luo didn't seem to care about Dongfang Yi's coldness, nor did she care that her words were rather improper.
Dongfang Yi couldn't help but admire her in her heart. She liked to make friends with such people. They spoke neither obsequiously nor flatteringly, and conducted themselves with dignity. Such people might be worthy of her trust.
For a moment, the two of them had nothing more to say, and Concubine Luo left. Hardly had she left when the emperor came.
If others knew that Helian Qi had come to Dongfang Yi's place again, they would probably gnash their teeth in envy. But Dongfang Yi remained calm. Although Helian Qi came to see her every day, he only brought her favorite snacks and kept her company. There was nothing more to it.
Dongfang Yi also felt sorry for the emperor. Although he was the most noble person in the world, he was busy with state affairs every day and couldn't even go out to enjoy the mountains and waters. Even though there were many famous landscape paintings, which painting could truly replace the real mountains and waters? Thinking like this, Dongfang Yi would occasionally tell Helian Qi some interesting things she had encountered during her travels.
But after all, she was a modern person, and when she talked about modern things, she would always use some novel words and expressions. Helian Qi found them very interesting, completely different from the silent palace. As time went by, the two of them gradually got to know each other better. Helian Qi would bring Dongfang Yi some delicious food she had never tasted before, and Dongfang Yi would exchange with him some fresh stories that Helian Qi had never experienced.
After all, one should be less critical when accepting favors.
This also piqued Helian Qi's strong interest in her. Other concubines only knew how to flatter. After hearing too many soft words, his ears got tired. These novel things fascinated him even more.
As days passed, Dongfang Yi gradually adapted to the life in the harem and also got used to having Helian Qi around. But one day, Helian Qi didn't show up. Dongfang Yi waited and waited, but still didn't see his figure. She couldn't help but feel a little gloomy.
It seemed that she had some different feelings for Helian Qi.
She was lying on the soft couch in a daze when a young eunuch rushed in in a panic without even bothering to announce himself: "Your Majesty, the emperor has been assassinated!"
"Assassinated!?" Hearing this, all the gloom in Dongfang Yi's heart vanished, and her heart was filled with worry: "You said the emperor has been assassinated? What on earth happened?"
The young eunuch was out of breath and stammered: "The emperor was assassinated, but after the assassin was captured, he said that it was your order, Your Majesty!"
"What?" Dongfang Yi was quite shocked. She was still unfamiliar with the palace, and she had been staying in the Palace of Gathered Elegance all day. How could she send someone to assassinate Helian Qi? "Come with me to see the emperor."
The maidservants quickly changed her clothes, and the group rushed towards the Palace of Heavenly Purity in a hurry. This was a serious accusation. Assassinating the emperor would lead to the execution of the entire family! If she couldn't clear her name in time, her life in the palace would probably be over!
The Palace of Heavenly Purity was deathly silent. As soon as Dongfang Yi entered, she felt a stifling tension. Helian Qi was standing in front of the desk, painting something. The atmosphere was so heavy that Dongfang Yi felt uncertain.
She didn't say a word and quietly waited until Helian Qi put down his brush. Then she said softly: "Your Majesty, it wasn't my order."
"Really?" Helian Qi didn't look at her. He just frowned and stared at the painting. Presumably, he was not satisfied, so he crumpled it into a ball.
Seeing his action, Dongfang Yi's heart beat even faster: "Your Majesty, you are the ruler of the country and my emperor. If something were to happen to you, would I not have to become a widow at such a young and beautiful age?"
"What do you mean by 'my emperor'?" Helian Qi seemed really angry. He wasn't moved by Dongfang Yi's joking words as he usually would be.
"Since ancient times, a husband has been a woman's sky. You are my sky." Dongfang Yi explained word by word: "It means that I will be devoted to you whole - heartedly."
"But if it wasn't you, then who could it be?" Helian Qi curled his lips, but his smile didn't reach his eyes. There was still a darkness brewing deep in his eyes.
Who could it be? Of course, it was the audacious Concubine Chu! This was something even a fool could figure out, but as the ruler of the country, he couldn't see it! Dongfang Yi also began to feel a bit angry in her heart.
Concubine Chu was really powerful. She dared to bet on the emperor's life!
That's right. Her elder brother was insidious and good at assassination. Only she would dare to do such a thing.
Dongfang Yi pursed her lips: "Your Majesty, could you let me see the assassin?"
Since the assassin said it was her order, there must be a set of explanations to prove it. She was going to confront the assassin.
Helian Qi was silent for a long time. Then he looked up at Dongfang Yi and said firmly: "He committed suicide out of fear of punishment. He took poison and died."
There was no way to prove her innocence!
Dongfang Yi was extremely angry but helpless. The harem was truly a ruthless place. One wrong step would lead to total defeat!
Concubine Chu, you really have good tricks!
"Your Majesty, please give me three days. I will definitely find out the real culprit!"
Dongfang Yi hadn't even had a chance to enjoy the benefits of being the queen. She didn't want to be outmaneuvered like this for no reason.
"The real culprit?" Helian Qi murmured.
"Yes, the real culprit! Once there is an attempt, there will be a second one. The person behind this must not only be trying to slander me but also pose a threat to your safety, Your Majesty! My life is not important, but you are the ruler of the country. This matter cannot be simply concluded!"
Helian Qi seemed to hear something that satisfied him. His expression relaxed, and for a moment, the Palace of Heavenly Purity was not as oppressive as before.
He never believed that it was Dongfang Yi who had given the order.
Since her confinement, her personality had changed greatly. She became more and more detached from worldly strife and would tell him some strange stories every day. She didn't seem like the kind of person who would carry out an assassination.
Helian Qi lowered his eyes. The waters of the harem were getting deeper and deeper.
"I believe you."