The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 2)

Chapter 370 - Culprit Caught Red-Handed

"You dare to suspect the people around me?!" The Empress Dowager was immediately furious, glaring fiercely at Tai Guifei.

The Princess Consort of Prince Ping quickly intervened, "Empress Dowager, please calm down. My mother-in-law doesn't mean it that way. Think about it—what if someone intended to take advantage of your trust in those around you to commit such a heinous act? If we don't root out such a person, it would indeed be dangerous for you, Empress Dowager."

By linking the matter to the Empress Dowager's own safety, the anger of the Empress Dowager subsided. She ordered for everyone who had come into contact with the pastries to be brought forth.

They were questioned one by one, but naturally, no one admitted to anything. Afterward, a body search yielded nothing.

Then Tai Guifei suggested that the poison might have been sprinkled on the surface of the pastries, and since the Yuchan rolls had a step where corn flour was dusted on the outside, perhaps it had been added then.

Thus, they had those who had touched the pastries extend their hands for the physician to inspect.

Clearly, no one held much hope, as those working in the kitchens were supposed to be clean. Wasn't it common to wash one's hands? But with no leads, they had to try.

Unexpectedly, this attempt led to a discovery.

In the sleeve and inner wrist of a palace maid named Lianxin, poison powder identical to that found on the pastries was discovered.

"No, no, no! It's not me! I didn't poison anyone! Fu Momo, please save me! I really didn't do it! Momo, please save me; I truly didn't poison anyone!"

The maid named Lianxin panicked instantly, bowing her head repeatedly. She happened to have another identity; she was the adopted daughter of Fu Momo.

Fu Momo had never married and had served the Empress Dowager all her life. Adopting a daughter at her old age was not a big deal, but discovering poison powder on her daughter added complexity to the situation.

The Empress Dowager angrily threw her teacup across the room. "Fuzhi, what is going on? Explain this to me clearly!"

"Empress Dowager, I truly don't know! There must be some misunderstanding." Fu Momo knelt down immediately, her heart unsettled. "I have served you my entire life with utmost loyalty; I wouldn't dare have any ulterior motives. Lianxin has been under my care since she entered the palace at thirteen. Over the years, while she may not be the most capable, her character is impeccable; she would never do anything to harm the imperial heirs!"

As Lianxin was her adopted daughter, Fu Momo couldn't help but plead for her. She still believed in Lianxin.

Tai Guifei coughed uncomfortably twice and chimed in, "Empress Dowager, Fu Momo is your most trusted maid. If she were to have any disloyalty, how could you have remained safe all this time? But this girl—there's a problem. If it wasn't her, why would the poison powder be found on her?"

Though her words seemed to defend the Empress Dowager, by pointing out the issue with Lianxin, it raised suspicions. One might wonder if Lianxin had been instructed by the Empress Dowager through Fu Momo.

Such matters are often more complex for those involved, while outsiders see things clearly.

The Empress Dowager and Fu Momo were deeply embroiled in the situation, subconsciously filtering out any information that didn't suit them. They only heard what was favorable to them, oblivious to the other implications. Meanwhile, the concubines nearby overheard everything.

If it were to be claimed that the Empress Dowager was involved, it could certainly make sense.

The Empress Dowager had always disliked Ming Zhaoyuan and favored the Eldest Prince, but given the Eldest Prince's condition, he could only inherit the throne if the other princes were gone.