A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace-Chapter 837: Sinister Intentions

Empress Dowager Zhen called out several times in succession.

The Empress Dowager finally turned her gaze.

She looked at the person in front of her, and her emotions gradually became agitated.

"What are you doing here?"

Empress Dowager Zhen saw she was still clear-headed and smiled.

"Empress Dowager, I’m here to see you!"

"Look, I’ve brought you food and drink, everything you might need!"

"How is it? Am I considerate enough?"

"Oh! For someone as kind as me, who repays grievances with virtue!"

The Empress Dowager cast a cold glance at the things she brought.

Then suddenly stood up from the bed and knocked them over.

"Bah!"

"A weasel wishing a chicken Happy New Year, up to no good!"

"I lack nothing here! Least of all the things you bring, get out!"

Empress Dowager Zhen looked at the mess on the ground in shock.

For quite a while, she gathered the anger in her heart and still smiled.

"Empress Dowager!"

"People say those who recognize the times are wise, with your current situation, on what grounds can you shout at me?"

The Empress Dowager suddenly raised her eyes, full of shock.

She slapped Empress Dowager Zhen’s face hard.

"You disgrace! How dare you shout here!"

"Even in my downfall, it’s not your place to order me!"

Empress Dowager Zhen was caught off guard and slapped.

Her whole body was stunned.

She covered her burning half of her face, her eyes glaring, suddenly sneering.

"Ha ha? ’Aijia’?"

"Empress Dowager!"

"Do you still think you’re the most noble Empress Dowager now?"

"Don’t you find it laughable? Look around here, this Ningshou Palace, doesn’t it look like a cage? Specifically imprisoning you!"

The Empress Dowager snorted coldly.

"A cage? Even a cage is better than where you live!"

"I am still the Empress Dowager who rules the world, the Emperor’s biological mother, a fact no one can change!"

"Surely I don’t need to explain blood’s thicker than water to you!"

Empress Dowager Zhen laughed heartily.

"Biological mother? Empress Dowager, don’t you find it laughable?"

"You know full well whether you’re the biological mother!"

"Tell me, if I were to reveal this secret to the Emperor, will he believe you or me?"

The Empress Dowager’s face turned white instantly, panic overtaking her heart.

"What do you mean?!"

Empress Dowager Zhen sneered coldly.

"Exactly what it sounds like!"

"Empress Dowager, I’ve held onto this leverage for many years!"

"I didn’t dare speak before, fearing you’d cover the sky with one hand and silence me, but now..."

"You have no one left beside you; no one listens to you!"

"Do you think... what do I have to fear anymore?"

"This time I’m here to make you aware!"

"Your life and death are in my hands; if you’re sensible, we’ll coexist peacefully. If not..."

"I’ll inform the Emperor!"

"Then let’s see if it’s you who survives, or me!"

The Empress Dowager was utterly stunned by this, as if struck by thunder.

"You..."

"You!"

"You spout utter nonsense!"

"The Emperor is my flesh and blood, born after ten months of pregnancy; how could you sow discord with just a word?!"

Empress Dowager Zhen abruptly laughed loudly!

"Empress Dowager, you did carry for ten months back then, but... whether you gave birth to the Emperor, you should know in your heart!"

"Regarding this matter, I wouldn’t dare speak without evidence!"

"I hope the Empress Dowager realizes the situation and refrains from futile struggles!"

After saying this, Empress Dowager Zhen flicked her sleeves and left.

Only the Empress Dowager was left with a face of shock, despair, and panic!

Sister Xiang entered from outside, speaking coldly.

"The visit is over; the Empress Dowager should rest well. If anything’s needed, just tell me!"

Sister Xiang was the new personal attendant from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, replacing the old position of Sister Qing.

Since the day Sister Qing left.

The Empress Dowager hadn’t seen her, not even once!

Now, looking at the unfamiliar, cold face before her.

The Empress Dowager’s heart shattered.

She closed her eyes, turned over, and shakily walked toward the bed, then silently lay back down.

Sister Xiang brusquely tucked her in and left.

The Empress Dowager faced inward, tears streaming, her shoulders shaking, filled with regret!

She never imagined Wanxin would turn out like this.

She never imagined:

Wanxin would secretly offer the Emperor an antidote, then feign innocence, pinning all blame on herself.

Wanxin, you were clever all your life but muddled in one moment.

What benefit did overthrowing me have for you?!

Would the Emperor favor you? No!

Could you become Empress? No!

Would the Shih Family meet a good end? No!

So, why did you do all this?!

And I heard you even suffered torture; was it worth it?

For me, you truly are willing to throw away half your life!

And as for Empress Dowager Zhen.

Despite much pondering, the Empress Dowager couldn’t understand.

She executed that matter back then, leaving no trace behind.

All involved either became corpses or were silenced.

How did Empress Dowager Zhen find out?!

She didn’t seem to be fabricating; it was as if she had concrete evidence.

But with something so long ago, what evidence could remain?!

After a whole day of thinking, the Empress Dowager couldn’t find an answer.

Eventually, she gradually drifted off to sleep.

...

Outside the palace, in the Capital City.

After this incident, the gossip spread for half a month.

Only when the next scandal emerged did it gradually fade away.

And within the palace.

This tense atmosphere lasted until June.

Noble Concubine Shih narrowly survived and recovered, the Empress Dowager recovered, the Sixth Prince recovered, Empress Dowager Zhen recovered.

When the Emperor decided not to pursue matters further, the atmosphere began to relax.

Regarding Noble Concubine Shih.

Though Zhao Junyao suspected her, he found no leverage.

Her explanation was too plausible.

So plausible, it almost convinced everyone she was innocent.

She went to Zhaochen Palace to plead for Grand Tutor Shih.

She ran to Ningshou Palace crying to the Empress Dowager, asking why she was forced to plot against the Emperor?!

She ran to the Imperial Medical Bureau to investigate the formula for that wine.

All in all, no suspicious points could be found.

In the end, facing a mountain of evidence, Zhao Junyao had to admit she was innocent!

But, innocence aside.

Zhao Junyao still felt unsatisfied when looking at her.

Instinct told him: the facts and evidence didn’t add up; this woman must still be hiding something.

Thus... Zhao Junyao exercised minor punishment for major deterrence.

Demoted her from Noble Consort to Consort.

After that, there was no more Noble Concubine Shih in the palace, only Consort Shih.

However...

Becoming Consort Shih had one benefit.

She could again raise the Third Princess.

After such incidents, Ningshou Palace certainly couldn’t raise the Princess anymore.

The Third Princess would continue in her care.

On the day she brought the Princess back from Ningshou Palace.

Consort Shih cried outright.

"Yijing! Yijing, you finally returned!"

"We’ll never be apart again; I’m your mother!"