If even Xie Meiren's involvement couldn't be uncovered, Fang Yun's standing in the palace would be in jeopardy.
However, it didn't take long. That very day, it was discovered that Yulian, Xie Meiren's chief maid, had secretly visited the Cold Palace where the infected laundry bureau maids were quarantined.
Additionally, she had arranged for someone to leave the palace and deliver fifty taels of silver to the family of one of the infected maids.
The evidence was clear.
Fang Yun wasted no time, informing Pei Yao and the Empress of her findings.
Soon, the chief eunuch, Yan Li, stormed into Xie Meiren's residence at Fuxi Pavilion with his men.
"What are you doing?" Xie Meiren shouted, alarmed.
"Eunuch Yan, I respect you as the Empress's attendant, but don't forget your place. Barging into my room is insubordination!"
Her protests fell on deaf ears.
"If I've erred, you can tell the Empress later. I'm here under her orders to search Yichun Palace. You'd best comply," Yan Li said, signaling his men.
"Search!"
Xie Meiren turned pale, stumbling back as Yulian supported her, both looking grim.
The Empress's swift action couldn't be stopped.
By the time Wan Liangyuan, still ill, came to check, Xie Meiren and Yulian were already taken away.
At Jiaofang Hall:
When Xie Meiren was brought in, the Empress and Fang Yun were present.
Seeing them, Xie Meiren's eyes flickered with guilt.
The Empress's face was stern. "Xie Meiren, why did your maid visit the quarantined smallpox patients?"
Xie Meiren's shoulders trembled. "I don't know what you mean, Your Majesty. Smallpox is contagious. I'd never allow my maid to go there."
"Then why did your maid leave the palace to give fifty taels to a smallpox patient's family?" the Empress demanded.
"No, I didn't—"
"Enough lies! Do I need to spell out your crimes?" the Empress interrupted.
"You had a smallpox patient make snacks for Song Liangyuan, infecting her. Song Liangyuan often visits Zhao Fei, leading to the Second Princess's infection. You've committed two grave crimes: harming consorts and royal offspring!"
Fang Yun added coldly, "Your target wasn't the Second Princess but me and the Fourth Prince. Do you know that harming royal offspring is a capital crime, affecting your family? If you're following orders, confess, and you might earn some leniency."
Fang Yun suspected no one else was involved. The evidence pointed solely to Xie Meiren, with no signs of external influence.
But it was worth a try.
As expected, Xie Meiren denied it, continuing to lie.
Seeing this, both the Empress and Fang Yun lost patience.
Fang Yun signaled Yuanhe, who brought in a middle-aged couple dressed as commoners.
Seeing Yulian, they became agitated.
The man spoke quickly. "Your Majesties, this girl came to our home with fifty taels, saying it was compensation for our daughter who fell ill in the palace. We didn't know they intended to harm. We're innocent!"
Yulian, identified, turned pale and speechless.
Xie Meiren slapped her hard. "You wretch! How dare you act behind my back! You're my family's servant. I brought you here for your loyalty, and you betrayed me!"
Yulian, bleeding from the mouth, looked at Xie Meiren in shock and despair.
As Xie Meiren tried to strike again, Fang Yun signaled Yuanhe to stop her.
"If you wanted your maid to take the blame, you should've prepared better. How could a maid save fifty taels and secretly help you?"
Fang Yun exposed her lie, glancing at Yulian.
"Will you still protect Xie Meiren? She's using your parents' lives to force you to die for her."
The evidence was damning, even without mentioning Xie Meiren's feigned illness.
Yulian, smarter than Xie Meiren, felt hopeless. She knew she couldn't escape death but didn't expect Xie Meiren to use her as a shield.
She had advised against this, but Xie Meiren insisted.
Now, betrayed, Yulian knelt before the Empress.
"Your Majesty, I followed Xie Meiren's orders. She wanted to gain favor and envied Zhao Fei. She used smallpox to harm Zhao Fei, the Fourth Prince, or the Second Princess, hoping to replace Zhao Fei."
Hearing Yulian reveal the truth, Xie Meiren went mad, shouting insults and attacking her.
At that moment, Pei Yao arrived. Seeing Xie Meiren's outburst, his expression darkened. He ordered Hong Zheng to restrain her.
The Empress and Fang Yun explained the situation.
Pei Yao's gaze turned icy. "Since she likes the Cold Palace, send her there. If she doesn't catch smallpox, she can spend her life repenting. If she does, let her die."
Terrified, Xie Meiren cried and tried to plead. "Your Majesty, I was wrong! I admired you so much! Please forgive me..."
Her words were cut off as Hong Zheng gagged her and had her dragged away.
At that moment, Yang Fei arrived, passing Xie Meiren being dragged out. She paused, ignoring Xie Meiren's pleading eyes, and entered the hall.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness, what happened? I saw Xie Meiren just now..."
"Smallpox is rampant, and the Third Prince is weak. Instead of staying at Zhongcui Palace to care for him, you're here. Did the Empress or I call you? Or was it Zhao Fei?" Pei Yao, still furious, snapped at her.
YOU ARE READING
The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)
RomanceAuthor: Huatang Xiuge Translator: Me (Xiaobai) 东宫掌娇 Upon entering the Eastern Palace, Fang Yun lived cautiously, burdened by the label of a substitute bride and daughter of a traitor. She knew well that, as a daughter of low birth, she had been cas...
