Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite-Chapter 429: Descendants of Meritorious Officials

Chapter 429: Chapter 429: Descendants of Meritorious Officials

If it were Ruan Ming in his prime, he might have been able to fight off the Fourth Prince.

But now, he has suffered quite a bit of torture.

It’s already quite impressive that he managed to hold on and kill these few "traitors."

The path he chose doomed his end.

Thus, even though his martial skills were so strong that the Fourth Prince was somewhat astonished, Ruan Ming’s fate was still sealed—death.

His limbs were broken, and the pain made Ruan Ming cry out immediately.

However, his jaw had long been dislocated, so he couldn’t articulate his words clearly despite struggling fiercely.

Just from his struggling, it was apparent he was solely focused on seeking death.

But with the situation unresolved, how could the Fourth Prince let him die just like that?

So he sealed his mute point and then dragged him aside to await a trial.

Those timid officials were already having trouble sitting straight.

After all, in the court, moving their lips wasn’t an issue.

But when it came to wielding swords and causing bloodshed, with so many deaths in an instant...

Each was drenched in cold sweat.

The once joyful New Year’s Eve banquet had turned into a scene of carnage.

This truly left everyone present shaken to their core.

Even the Imperial Concubine Yi was evidently frightened by this scene.

Her tone now was not as firm as it was moments ago.

She spoke with a slight tremor.

"Fourth Prince, since Ruan Ming dared to act so ruthlessly in the palace hall, why keep him alive? Drag him away for execution! Let that be revenge for those innocent and kind people!"

That one sentence revealed her intention to abandon Ruan Ming.

And it seemed as if he harbored no resentment upon hearing it.

Other than staring intently at the Fourth Prince, he made no other movements.

Unfortunately, while the Imperial Concubine only thought of getting rid of this trouble, it stirred a chill in the hearts of those who had joined the Third Prince’s faction.

Originally, they had come together for mutual interest.

Though they agreed with her decision to sacrifice Ruan Ming to protect herself...

It didn’t mean they wanted to become that sacrificial piece.

If one day, they were the ones in trouble, would the Imperial Concubine treat them as mercilessly as she did Ruan Ming now?

They had been with her for less time than Ruan Ming had.

To abandon such a trusted confidant so easily, she was truly ruthless!

And at this moment, the Emperor, observing the Imperial Concubine with a gaze akin to watching prey, had a hint of mockery on his face.

This look sent a shiver down her spine, but for the sake of the Third Prince and her future, she had to endure it and feign composure.

"I have a clear conscience. All these were actions Ruan Ming took behind my back. I plead with the Emperor to see the truth and vindicate me!"

She remained stubborn, refusing to surrender until the last moment.

Unfortunately, whenever the Fourth Prince and the Emperor made a move, it inevitably led to a dead end.

The Imperial Concubine’s situation hadn’t yet settled when another problem arose from the other end.

"Your Majesty, coincidentally, this old official also has some witnesses who wish to file a complaint with the court."

"Oh? Today is indeed lively."

With a wave of his hand, the Fourth Prince had someone brought in.

The newcomer was Huang Boli.

Unlike Ruan Ming, he had no apparent injuries.

Yet as he entered, he seemed quite nervous, keeping his head down and not daring to speak much.

His appearance made the Imperial Concubine internally scream that something was wrong.

It seemed like today was meant for taking turns to settle scores with her. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

This Huang Boli hadn’t been involved with the poisoning incident at the Charitable Hall, so it must have been related to Lady Chu’s death.

After all, he was an involved party back then; could he have left behind some evidence for the Fourth Prince to seize?

The Imperial Concubine was considering how to handle this situation.

And there, Huang Boli was already kneeling on the floor, beginning to cry out the Imperial Concubine’s "crimes."

"Your Majesty, this servant has come today to accuse the Imperial Concubine Yi of harming concubines and plotting to assassinate a Prince and Princess."

"Oh, another charge?"

"Insolent! How dare you slander me! You’ve grown tired of living? Reveal the instigator behind you today, and I might forgive you. Otherwise, if you dare to falsely accuse me, I’ll have your entire family executed!"

The Imperial Concubine’s threats clearly petrified Huang Boli.

Yet, when he glanced at the Emperor’s piercing gaze, he realized he could only force himself to speak, despite his fear.

After all, her threats were mere words.

His family’s lives were in the Fourth Prince’s hands.

Relinquishing his fear for his own life, he hoped confessing would ensure his family’s and Yingshuang’s safety.

"Imperial Concubine, you need not threaten this servant any longer. I’ve committed so many wrongs for you that my conscience is already heavy. If I don’t reveal the truth now, even in death, I wouldn’t dare face the other ladies and masters beneath the earth."

Immediately, he ignored the Imperial Concubine’s attempts to stop him and divulged the entire story of Lady Chu’s death.

"On that day, Lady Bai was pregnant and was under Lady Chu’s care. Yet Lady Chu, relying on the Imperial Concubine’s power, was arrogant. Not only would she openly deduct Lady Bai’s food and medicine, but she also frequently provoked Lady Bai verbally, leading to Lady Bai’s later miscarriage and hemorrhaging."

"Originally, Lady Chu could have saved Lady Bai and her unborn child, but she refused, deliberately delaying until Lady Bai was dying before sending us to pretentiously summon the Imperial Physician. Because of this, both this servant and another palace maid who served under Lady Chu were severely beaten."

"Afterward, indeed Lady Bai died with her child, resulting in two deaths. Lady Chu and the Imperial Concubine were in cahoots from the start, seeking to shield each other. But the Empress Dowager’s sharp eyes noticed something amiss, and fearing repercussions, the Imperial Concubine had Eunuch Ruan Ming deal with Lady Chu."

"Eunuch Ruan Ming acted decisively, and Lady Chu was strangled immediately. Afterward, he had us set the palace on fire to leave no traces."

"Thus not only was the incident of Lady Bai’s and her child’s deaths resolved, but Lady Chu also got labeled with a reputation of suicide out of fear of punishment. Consequently, even if the Chu Family learned of the truth later, they wouldn’t dare speak recklessly. Regrettably, Lady Ming also got caught up in it, suffering severe burns and eventually died ill in the traveling palace."

"This is but the tip of the iceberg. Does Imperial Concubine recall instructing Eunuch Ruan Ming to manipulate the stakes at Qing Garden, intending to cause the Concubines to fall into the water and embarrass themselves, which would also draw punishment for Lin Guifei?"

Upon these words, there was an uproar.

Especially among the ladies of the Imperial Family, for the incident during the Dragon Boat Festival where the ladies fell into the water was something they greatly remembered.

Never had they imagined that it was orchestrated by the Imperial Concubine Yi!

Truly, you can’t judge a person by appearances!