The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 2)

Chapter 346 - It's All Over

"I truly underestimated this lot in the harem. One scheme after another, killing with borrowed knives," Ning Chen said darkly.

Ye Yun furrowed her brows. "I suspect that this person accidentally discovered the Empress's plan, and instead of exposing it, used the opportunity to strike. It seems their intention was to have the Empress first get rid of me and then eliminate Wan Meiren, only to later step forward and expose the Empress."

Three birds with one stone—this shadowy figure was truly ruthless.

But Ye Yun had only guessed the first part, not the second.

What she didn't know was that the one who had prepared this three-birds-with-one-stone strategy was actually two people.

Both Yao Xiang and Jing De Fei had the same idea.

"This time, you were nearly wronged again." Ning Chen exhaled deeply, his gaze darkening as he suppressed his fury. "Yuan Jiu, keep investigating. We must uncover this third person."

"Your Majesty, I have a request," Ye Yun suddenly said.

Ning Chen looked up at her, "What is it..."

Ye Yun bowed slightly, her tone firm.

"In this matter, Wan Meiren is the victim, but it's clear that the real target was me. I humbly request that Your Majesty allow me to investigate this in secret. As for the matter of the safflower powder and the bone-dissolving powder, it's best not to make it public yet, to avoid alerting the enemy."

"This situation is so dirty and vile, I fear it might soil your hands. Let the Dark Pavilion investigate it instead. Trust me, I'll have them get to the bottom of it," Ning Chen said with a frown.

He stepped forward slightly, taking her hand.

He was truly worried. If it hadn't been for the flaw in the perfume today, it would have been difficult to clear her name. If they couldn't prove that the Empress had framed her, once Wan Meiren woke up, she would undoubtedly raise a commotion, and the Wan family would apply pressure on the court. Even if he managed to save Ye Yun's life, he couldn't spare her from the consequences.

That was a situation he absolutely did not want to face.

"I understand Your Majesty's intentions, but I truly wish to personally find out who is hiding in the shadows," Ye Yun said, gripping his hand in return.

Their eyes met, and the determination and sharpness in Ye Yun's gaze were unmistakable.

Faced with her resolve, Ning Chen found himself unable to say anything to stop her.

"Very well, but be careful. If you encounter anything you can't handle, you must inform me," he finally said.

He then turned to the nearby servants and commanded, "During this time, the Dark Pavilion will follow Ming Shunyi's orders for the investigation."

After giving these instructions, the servants hurried away to continue interrogating the Empress's people throughout the night.

Ye Yun thought Ning Chen would return to Jingqian Palace to rest, but to her surprise, he followed her to Jiaotang Courtyard.

This was his way of telling the entire palace that the Emperor still favored Ming Shunyi, and that she was completely innocent.

It would be impossible to say that she felt nothing at all.

After all, they had been together for years, had a child together, and he was a handsome man who treated her well. Who could remain indifferent?

However, even if there were feelings, one must stay true to oneself and not become lost in them.