𝐒𝐀𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐍

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍

MAOMAO SIGHED DEEPLY, her gaze falling onto the table that had many types of tea leaves lying to dry. She suspected something was off about Consort Suyin's maid— she just couldn't figure out what. From the plain ingredients on the table, there wasn't anything wrong.

Even mixing them together would not create anything poisonous or cause a deterioration of one's health. Without any evidence, going after Da Ji would be a fruitless effort, and would only cause a rift between her and Consort Suyin.

"Think MaoMao," she mumbled to herself, "If I wanted to poison someone, what would be the most inconspicuous way? It must be incredibly difficult seeing as she is an important figure that meets with a lot of people."

Then something hit her.

Consorts are supposed to meet with lots of people, even just to simply save face, but if she never shows her face, her condition could be hidden easily.

"But how?" she mumbled, only to hear the door of her medicinal office swing open.

"APOTHECARY!!"

The greenette immediately swung around, hearing the familiar voice of the eunuch. He was in a panic, sweat rolling down his temple.

"Master Jinshi?"

"S-she collapsed!!" he shouted, his eyes full of worry as he recollected his breath, "Suyin collapsed!!"

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

Several maids stopped by the health office, curious of the Graceful Consort's condition before they were shooed away by Ah-Duo's headmaid, Fengming.

The weary yet stern woman then closed the door and proceeded to turn around, facing her consort, Ah-Duo who was watching over the Graceful Consort who lay on the bed unconscious.

"The doctors say she will recover," the Pure Consort sighed, a relieved smile on her face, "Though, Da-Ji is currently under investigation for suspected poisoning of her tea."

Fengming frowned, "She may have been a bit weird but I don't think she's the type to brazenly attempt to hurt her lady. She must've known she'd be the first suspected if that were the case."

"Yes," Ah-Duo nodded, placing her hand on Suyin's forehead, "We can only wait until more evidence arises. Betrayal is easy, but reaching the end goal is often the hardest. Surely there is more here than meets the eye."

Fengming nodded in agreement, before sitting beside her consort, "How many years has it been? Three?"

"Five," answered Ah-Duo, a hint of regret lingering in her voice, "Five since I've watched over her. I've neglected to see her."

"It's not your fault," her maid coaxed gently, "Poisoning is common everywhere, especially in the inner palace. And you have had your hands full."

The purple-haired woman shook her head, then noticed a pair of shadows rushing towards the room. Her lips fell into a small smile as she stood up.