Pampered Consort's Acting Awards - Chapter 18 Part 2

Listening to the rustling sound of the paper, Ning Yuangzheng added on the side: “Meiren Qin’s poison is really odd. This official has checked the meal record of the last month, and has examined carefully the things that enter Jinlan Courtyard; flowers, tea, incense. However, nothing was found.”

The moment his voice barely fell, Xiao Yu threw the booklet back to the table.

It fell with a “bang” sound. Not too light and not too heavy.

Imperial Physician Ning was originally bowing his head, and with that sound he bowed his head even further.

After hearing his words, Xiao Yu couldn’t help but recall those unpleasant things from the Qin family that Lu Ze had dug up on his command: “Since nothing can be found, is it possible that she was poisoned before she entered the palace?”

Imperial Physician Ning shook his head: “Impossible.”

Xiao Yu replied: “Why?”

“Could Your Majesty please lend this official a tea cup?”

Xiao Yu took one tea cup and gave it to him.
Imperial Physician Ning moved forward and first poured half a cup of tea, then gestured.

“This Zimuxiang poison is similar to this cup of tea. How much you pour in is how much you get. And if you don’t store any more tea in it, it will dry up after a few days. Aside from not making one not suitable for pregnancy, it will not go as far as killing them.” Speaking until here, he once again lifted the teapot, and this time, he filled it until it overflowed: “If Meiren Qin was poisoned a month ago and can still be diagnosed by this official, she needs to take at least this much poison.”

Imperial Physician Ning put back the teacup on the table and proceeded: “Zimuxiang was originally called Jinghua poison. Afterwards, because the victims’ face turned purple upon death, it is renamed into Zimuxiang. This drug has unique characteristics. When one overdoses, they will have trouble breathing and eventually die. It also works quickly, there won’t be enough time to save the victim.]

[T/N: Reminder that Zimuxiang is literally “auspicious purple wood”]

“As such, this official deduced that Meiren Qin was poisoned only in recent days.”

When speaking in the palace, one has to consider every word, especially if they’re an Imperial physician. Since Ning Yuanzheng could still sit in his position until today, it is impossible for him to not understand this fact. The reason why he dared to say this is because he was sure if Meiren Qin was poisoned as long as a month ago, she should have died already.

How could he feel the pulse of a dead person?

However, this is where it’s odd.

If we project the time of poisoning to before she entered the palace, she shouldn’t have survived.

If we project the time of poisoning to after entering the palace, there is no evidence.

“Your Majesty?”

Imperial Physician Ning noticed that the emperor was looking at the meal record, lost in thought.

Xiao Yu’s fingertips trembled slightly. After a while, he regained his senses, but he didn’t say anything anymore, and let Ning Yuanzheng retreat. Soon after, he called Gonggong Sheng, only to say one sentence, “Investigate this for Us.”

Gonggong Sheng understood. This was to dig up until three meters underground, overturning the harem.

On that evening, Gonggong Sheng, along with several people, rummage through every concubine, eunuch, and court lady’s dwelling place. Even Guanglu Temple, the office of Ministry of Rites, and other places were not exempted.

After a whole night, they returned empty handed.

People gradually spread the words that Meiren Qin is simply a thief who cries out for favor, and perhaps the consort dowager’s illness was also caused by her.

The night was deep and damp. A gust of wind rose outside the window.

The wind blew in through the supporting windows in Yangxin Hall. There were memorials laid flat on the table, and the words on it seemed to be all messed up.

“Your Majesty, rest assured. The people who babbled nonsense have been found out. One is Chun Lai of the Shangshan Bureau, while the other one is a sweeping maid of Chuxiu Palace. The Ministry of Rites held a trial for less than 4 hours, before they couldn’t hold up to admit.” Gonggong Sheng sighed, “But there is still no result regarding the poisoning matter no matter how hard we dig. It may be assumed that the culprit had already pulled out.”

When mentioning this matter, Gonggong Sheng couldn’t help but frown, looking bewildered.

First is because he has never seen such a clean crime, without any trace of physical evidence. Second, is the emperor.

He really couldn’t understand. His Majesty didn’t care about Meiren Qin’s life or death just several days ago. But why was he willing to make such a big fuss for her on this poisoning matter?

Xiao Yu suddenly closed the memorial on his hand, “Prepare the carriage. We’re leaving for Jinlan Courtyard.” 

Gonggong Sheng opened his eyes somewhat foolishly. Afterwards, he let out a “yes” from his mouth.

The moon hung high in the sky. The water clock trickled.

Qin Ling was facing a copper mirror, removing the earring with one hand. She looked at herself in the mirror and involuntarily covered her chest. She couldn’t tell why, but she was inexplicably flustered.

At this moment, the door of Jinlan Garden’s inner room was pushed open with a “creak”.

Chang Ge pursed her lips and looked at Qin Ling, took a deep breath, and said, “This servant is here to dress up Meiren. His Majesty will come over later.” 

Qin Ling’s body stiffened at once. Fearing that she had misheard, she asked once more: “What? Can you say it once more?”

Chang Ge thought that this Meiren Qin was merely bullying her, and couldn’t help but curse her in her heart, however, her face was still respectful on the surface: “This servant is here to help Meiren dress up. Gonggong Sheng passed the news earlier, saying that His Majesty turned over Meiren’s nameplate tonight.”

[T/N: For readers who are not used to ancient China novels. There is this… list in the form of nameplates (usually made of wood), consisting of the emperor’s concubines’ names. When the emperor turns over a nameplate, it means he will spend the night at that concubine’s place.]

This time, she must have heard it clearly.

Chang Ge and Ling Que were unwilling to let Meiren Qin earn the emperor’s favor, however, they also did not dare to mess up in this matter. They hurriedly went over, one to dress Qin Ling and one to do Qin Ling’s makeup.

However, Qin Ling, who was still sitting on the ivory stool, had a mess of heart.

What is he here for?

Is it because of poisoning, or did he find something?

This is not right. It’s so messed up. It’s all messed up.

If he wants to test her, why should he let Gonggong Sheng pass a message in advance? Isn’t it better to make a sudden visit?

Could it be… he truly wants to get intimate?

Qin Ling firmly grasped the rhino-horn comb in her hand and tried to calm herself.

When she was still thinking about it, she heard the young eunuchs outside said in unison: “A thousand peace for the Majesty.”

He’s here.

Qin Ling hurriedly went out and said her blessings: “This concubine pays respects to Your Majesty.”

In the panic this late at night, the man’s posture looked exceptionally tall and straight. He faintly said: “Get up.”

After saying that, the line of people holding hand stoves and lanterns behind the emperor quickly bowed and retreated.

Gonggong Sheng guarded the door, while Chang Ge and Ling Que naturally retreated.

Soon, only two people remained in the room.

It was quiet inside. Only the sound of shallow breathing could be heard.

Qin Ling walked to him and said in a low voice: “It’s cold in the autumn. This concubine has prepared some snacks to dispel the cold. Would Your Majesty like to try?”

“No need.”

Once this reply came out, she immediately recalled that he was never fond of snacks.

Qin Ling clenched her fists, raised her eyes, slightly curved the edges of her eyes, and softly said: “Then this concubine will brew a pot of tea for Your Majesty. There is also spring longan here. Does Your Majesty want to drink?”

Before, naturally she wouldn’t be so careful trying to please him. But her current status was low, and it was difficult to see him. If she bored him carelessly, one will not know to whom he will entrust Yun’er.

The candle flame swayed lightly. Qin Ling raised her head, standing beside him.

And did not see the man’s bulged veins on his arms.

One did not know how long they stared at each other before the man spoke in a deep voice: “It’s getting late. Let’s rest.”

Qin Ling moved forward a step, and attentively said: “Then this concubine will help Your Majesty change clothes.”

The next thing that happened was that her stretched arm was grabbed and swung away by the man: “We will do it ourself.”

He put the jade belt on the round table with rosewood stone inlay, took off his robe, went up the couch, and closed his eyes.

Qin Ling looked at his frowning brows and guessed that he should, and would not want her.

A monarch’s mind is hard to fathom. She tiptoed over, went past the layers of curtain, and lay down beside him.

Whether it was because of the familiar sandalwood scent emanating from him or because he still hadn’t suspected her.

The heart that kept beating wildly, finally returned to peace.

Qin Ling couldn’t help but glance at the man before her eyes.

Xiao Yu, let’s start all over again. You and I, only as a monarch and his minister.

The moon was high. The night clouds spread. Amidst the candle wicks and brocade screens.

For some reason, a strange light gradually floated on the side of the pillow.

The Zhen Estate, Prince Jin Palace, Kunning Palace, all the things in the past, seemed to be passing in the light and shadow, and turning again.

They fell into a dream together.

The 36th year of Yongchang era. Spring.

That year, she was seventeen years old and was in her boudoir.

T/N: AAAAAAAAAAAAAH It took me 4 hours to do this. 4 HOURS PEOPLE. HAAHAHAHA I hope you enjoy it as much as it gave me backache!!
We’re going in the second part of the story, there will be A LOT OF FLASHBACKS in this part. Which will tell us some things from the past… Here comes the angst :’)