The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 303 - Also Poisoned

He Pin's sudden collapse caused chaos.

Though Wan Lingyi suspected she was faking it, wanting to kick her awake, doing so would not align with her image as a victim.

So, she fumed silently, watching He Pin's performance.

"Oh my, what happened? Did she faint from fright?" Fang Yun remarked sarcastically.

Given her longstanding feud with He Pin, her sarcastic comment was expected and didn't surprise anyone.

Fang Yun continued with a mocking smile, "He Pin fainted? Chief Physician Guo, please check if it's due to her cold."

Chief Physician Guo couldn't refuse. He glanced at the Empress, who nodded, and went to check on He Pin.

At this moment, Yang Fei softly remarked, "He Pin does look unwell today. She might really be sick."

Normally, Yang Fei and He Pin had little interaction. Was she pretending to be virtuous now?

No, Yang Fei didn't need to show virtue towards He Pin.

Fang Yun subtly observed Yang Fei, feeling suspicious.

Logically, as Wan Lingyi's ally, Yang Fei should side with her and claim He Pin was faking it. Her statement seemed to genuinely suggest He Pin might be ill.

As Fang Yun pondered this, Jin Pin across from her sneered.

"If she is sick, it's likely due to a guilty conscience. Fainting at such a convenient time."

The two had always clashed.

In the Eastern Palace, Jin Pin, fearing He Pin's favor, never dared to retaliate. Now in the harem, both as consorts, Jin Pin had an additional title, and He Pin's favor had waned. Jin Pin had gained confidence.

The Empress, seated at the head, felt dizzy listening to the chatter.

She sternly commanded, "Silence! What do you think you're doing, shouting like this?"

The room quieted.

Chief Physician Guo, after checking He Pin's pulse, looked grim.

After a moment, he reported to the Empress.

"Your Majesty, He Pin shows signs of poisoning!"

This revelation caused an uproar.

First, Wan Lingyi was found poisoned with infertility drugs, and now He Pin was also poisoned. Even the Empress's face changed.

"What is happening? Causing such a commotion early in the morning."

At that moment, Pei Yao's deep, slightly irritated voice came from the doorway.

Everyone quickly stood to greet him. Pei Yao, still in his court robes, strode into Jiaofang Palace.

He had come straight from court.

The Empress made way for him, "Your Majesty, I was investigating Wan Lingyi's poisoning. Unexpectedly, He Pin fainted, and Chief Physician Guo found her also poisoned."

"Also poisoned?" Pei Yao sat down, frowning. "Didn't Wan Lingyi accuse He Pin of poisoning her? How is He Pin also affected?"

"I don't know, it was sudden," the Empress replied helplessly.

As the Emperor and Empress conversed, Wan Lingyi grew increasingly anxious.

Wan Lingyi had no interest in He Pin's poisoning; she feared the Emperor and Empress might not pursue the matter due to He Pin's condition.

Clutching her handkerchief and with teary eyes, she stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, I don't know why He Pin is poisoned, but I know she poisoned me with infertility drugs. I have witnesses and evidence. One investigation will reveal the truth!"

Xie Meiren stepped in to support her.

"Yes, He Pin fainted. Perhaps we should move her to the side hall for treatment and investigate later. But Wan Lingyi's grievance is evident and must be addressed."

Their argument made sense. Pei Yao glanced around and nodded.

He ordered He Pin to be taken to the side hall.

Relieved, Wan Lingyi quickly summoned the eunuch to testify.

"Your Majesties, I am responsible for the water at Yilan Hall. A maid named Yinxiu from Yong'an Palace gave me money to put these drugs in Wan Lingyi's tea and food."

Trembling, the eunuch began to sob and bow fervently.

"I deserve to die, but I was following orders. If I refused, He Pin threatened to kill me and my family outside the palace. I was forced!"

Wan Lingyi stood by, eyes filled with tears.

Yinxiu was quickly brought in, terrified, and confessed immediately.

With witnesses and evidence, He Pin's crime was undeniable.

Pei Yao's expression darkened as he prepared to sentence her. But news from the side hall interrupted.

He Pin had awakened, and Chief Physician Guo identified the source of her poisoning.

"Your Majesties, I questioned He Pin's maid. She said the dizziness and nightmares started recently. Based on her symptoms, she was poisoned with henbane."

"Henbane? What is that?" Pei Yao asked coldly.

All eyes turned to Chief Physician Guo.

"Bowing, he explained, "This easily made drug doesn't require rare ingredients, but its effects are significant. Initially, it causes dizziness, weakness, and nightmares, similar to a cold. Over time, it leads to hallucinations and insanity, hence its name."

"Such a beautiful name for a poison." Yang Fei frowned. "Where was it found?"

"In He Pin's daily calming tonic," Chief Physician Guo replied.

Fang Yun, feigning concern, asked, "How could something be mixed into her drink again? Who is trying to harm He Pin?"

"Judging by her pulse, it started in the last two days," Chief Physician Guo said.

The Empress looked thoughtful and turned to Pei Yao.

"Your Majesty, this is suspicious. Wan Lingyi was poisoned with infertility drugs, and now He Pin is poisoned. Are the events connected?"

"Wan Lingyi stated, "He Pin has always had a bad temper and made many enemies. She likely harmed others and was harmed in return. I am truly frightened."

She doubted He Pin's poisoning but wanted Pei Yao and the Empress to convict her quickly, fearing He Pin might escape punishment.

Sensing Wan Lingyi's anxiety, Xie Meiren glanced at Fang Yun and added, "I've heard He Pin and Zhao Fei have had many conflicts."

"Outrageous!"

Pei Yao's angry voice echoed, scaring Xie Meiren into silence.

"How dare you slander Zhao Fei! It seems I have been too lenient, allowing you all to create chaos!"

Pei Yao, already frustrated by the court session, was further angered by Xie Meiren's attempt to implicate Fang Yun.

Fang Yun's recent donation had endeared her to Pei Yao, making her untouchable.

The hall fell silent.

Suddenly, Ying Xia stormed in, furious, and slapped Yinxiu.

"You wretched maid! You conspired against our lady! Traitor!"