After the crowd dispersed, they returned to the palace. Dongfang Yi hadn't fully recovered from the shock of Xiaoqian's death. Donghua poured her a cup of tea to calm her nerves, and only then did her eyes regain some clarity.
"Everyone will die one day," Helian Qi said in a deep voice, trying to console the woman in front of him. He knew Dongfang Yi was a sentimental person, and she must be deeply grieved by the death of her confidant.
Although Dongfang Yi's heart was in turmoil, she knew that no matter how angry she was, she couldn't change the reality. So she said, "I will find the murderer and avenge her."
"You also think the murderer isn't Concubine Chu?" Helian Qi asked.
She snorted coldly and then said, "Even if she isn't the murderer, she's an accomplice. After all, the snake flew out of her sleeve."
So even if she was unaware, she wasn't worthy of forgiveness.
When the snake flew out, not only was Dongfang Yi startled, but Concubine Chu also looked unstable and almost fell to the ground. If she was the one who released the snake, she definitely wouldn't be so nervous. So she must have been used by someone.
She told the man opposite her what she had guessed, and then they both fell into deep thought.
Today was New Year's Eve, a time for family reunions. Early this morning, Xiaoqian had told her that her New Year's wish was to find a suitable husband before leaving the palace. But now she had lost all opportunities.
Even now, the words Xiaoqian had said before her death still seemed to echo in her ears.
"Your Majesty, you're the kindest empress I've ever seen..."
Just thinking about it made her heart ache.
Helian Qi saw the pain on the woman's face and walked over to gently hug her. "Dong'er, don't be sad, okay? Seeing you sad makes me want to kill someone."
There was a tangled look in his eyes. He really couldn't bear to see the woman in front of him in pain. His heart felt like it was about to split.
On the other side, in Lanfang Garden.
Yaoji was still sitting on the grand master's chair, humming a tune as if she had nothing to worry about. After all, she had left no evidence. She believed that the Emperor of Dongsheng wouldn't dare to convict her casually. Even if they suspected her, without evidence, they could do nothing.
Thinking of this, the sinister smile on her lips deepened. She felt as if she had everything under control.
She should also thank that stupid scapegoat, Concubine Chu, who had jumped right into the trap she had set in advance and followed the path she had designed step by step, and finally was sent to the Cold Palace.
Could this be blamed on her cruelty? No, it could only be blamed on that woman's stupidity!
On the other side, in Concubine Chu's palace.
Now Concubine Chu's palace had become a Cold Palace. Even though it was daytime, it was extremely desolate. The palace servants were all the kind who would push someone when they were down. Moreover, Concubine Chu had been very strict with them on weekdays. Now that she had fallen into trouble, those who could run away had all left. For a moment, there wasn't a single palace servant left in Concubine Chu's palace.
"Someone come!" she shouted loudly.
But no one came. So she couldn't help laughing out loud. Good! Those bitches had run away so quickly! She wasn't even dead yet, and they were eager to attend her funeral!
Today was New Year's Eve, yet she had been sent to the Cold Palace. It was really a big joke!
After thinking about it, she laughed out loud again. But at this moment, she noticed the box not far away. Inside were all kinds of precious treasures, which were exactly what Yaoji had come to give her today.
Only now did she realize something was wrong. Why did Yaoji come to flatter her today of all days? And she had said so many provocative things.
Come to think of it, the two little palace maids she had met this morning also looked unfamiliar. She seemed to have never seen them in her palace before.
Thinking of this, all the mysteries in her heart seemed to be solved. It was that woman, Yaoji! She wanted to kill Dongfang Yi but had used her as a pawn.
She had actually believed that woman was here to climb up the social ladder.
Thinking of this, she immediately ran out. She thought that she couldn't be sent to the Cold Palace, and she couldn't be wronged. So she must tell everything.
But the palace gate was guarded by the imperial guards. No matter how much she shouted, they wouldn't let her out, and no one was willing to pass on her message. Finally, exhausted, she sat on the steps. For the first time, she felt so helpless.
The night was getting deeper, but the palace was brightly lit. Today was New Year's Eve. It seemed that others weren't affected by the small incident this afternoon. They were still celebrating the New Year.
And there was a grand royal banquet about to start in the harem.
In the banquet hall, the lanterns were all lit. The hall was filled with princes, ministers, and noble ladies from the capital.
With a burst of music, Helian Qi led Dongfang Yi's hand and slowly walked into the banquet hall. Then they walked towards the highest seat.
Dongfang Yi was smiling. Her red and gold feather robe made her look extremely noble. The man beside her was also wearing a black and gold robe with gold - embroidered auspicious clouds on the border, showing his noble status.
They both looked as if nothing had happened. After all, today was a royal banquet, and they were reasonable people.
They weren't ordinary people. They were the rulers of Dongsheng, the most noble people in the palace. If even they panicked, what would the people below do?
Dongfang Yi understood this truth, so her rationality overcame her emotions. After tonight, those who owed her would have to give her a proper explanation. She would console Xiaoqian's lost soul.
The New Year's Eve royal banquet began with the sound of music. People in the hall were toasting each other. It seemed extremely lively.
Although she wasn't in the mood, she would still raise her glass and return a smile when others toasted her.
From a distance, Prince Nanping, Helian Rong, noticed her abnormality. He couldn't help wondering what had happened to her. He had heard that one of her maids had died today. Could it be that she was worried about this?
But in any case, he had no right to ask. Because there was the emperor beside her. What was he anyway?
After the royal banquet had started for a while, Nangong Liuyun stood up and asked, "Your Majesty, I dare to ask. Why isn't my adopted daughter, Concubine Chu, at the banquet today?"
He had looked around the whole banquet hall but hadn't found that woman's figure. He couldn't help suspecting that something had happened to her. After all, they were in the same boat. If one prospered, the other would prosper; if one suffered, the other would suffer. So he was very worried.
Helian Qi frowned when he heard his question. Then he replied, "My concubine is ill. She's really not suitable to attend the royal banquet."