The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 2)

Chapter 345 - Imprisonment

In Wutong Hall, upon seeing Yuan Jiu arrive with people to arrest and interrogate the servants, Chuyun knew the plan had failed.

She didn't even think about running.

Not only did she not run, she was eagerly awaiting the opportunity to expose all of Empress Xie's crimes.

Elsewhere, it was Huai'an who went to Jiao Tang Courtyard.

Today, Nan Zhi had accompanied Ye Yun to the banquet, leaving Huiyue behind in the residence.

Having often benefited from Ye Yun, and understanding the situation, Huai'an treated Huiyue and her group politely.

At least, he was courteous to Huiyue.

Kong Qing, being young and inexperienced, was pale with fear.

Though Huiyue was also afraid, as a senior palace maid, she remained composed.

"Listen to me. I swear on my life, Shunyi would never commit such a heinous act as to harm the Emperor's heir. No matter if you're a palace maid from here or assigned to help, our mistress has never treated you poorly. Just today, she gave you all silver for the Mid-Autumn Festival. If any of you speak the truth, it's fine. But if anyone dares slander Shunyi, even in death, I will not forgive you!"

Huiyue's words reassured everyone, boosting their confidence in Ye Yun.

Both groups were taken to the Department of Punishments for interrogation by the Dark Pavilion.

However, what surprised everyone was that Chuyun confessed everything without even being tortured.

She clearly explained everything she knew—from drugging the Eldest Prince to seize custody to poisoning Wan Meiren to harm the Emperor's heir.

Had the Empress succeeded, Ming Shunyi would have been killed first, and then the Empress herself would have perished. But now, it was clear that the Empress was doomed.

Chuyun felt a great sense of relief—so foolish was the Empress that she couldn't even take anyone down with her in death.

In the Department of Punishments, Suqin and Su'e hadn't been tortured either, but Chuyun's revelations drained the color from their faces.

The investigation progressed swiftly, and soon, the results were reported.

Though it was already late at night, no one was allowed to leave the banquet hall, except for the elderly Empress Dowager, who had gone back due to her age.

Ning Chen read through the crimes presented by the secret chamber, feeling as if he had fallen into an ice cave, a chill penetrating to his bones, while at the same time, his heart was burning with fury.

He had always known that the Empress was not a perfect wife, but he never expected her to be capable of such actions.

Clutching the charges in his hand, Ning Chen's entire demeanor grew colder.

"Empress, look at it yourself!"

He threw the piece of paper on the ground without hesitation.

The Empress's heart was in her throat. She wanted to crouch down and pick it up, but her legs gave way, and she knelt on the floor.

At this point, etiquette no longer mattered. With trembling hands, she picked up the paper and began to read.

The first thing she saw was Chuyun's confession, detailing how she had bribed Yang Momo to poison the Eldest Prince.

For a moment, the world seemed to spin, her vision darkened, and she nearly fainted.

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of Ning Chen's imperial boots and hurriedly crawled over, still kneeling.