Chapter 20: The Captured Imperial Prince of the Enemy Country’s Canary 7

“It’s the medicine Your Majesty gave to the mistress,” Yue Yu whispered aside.

“Is that true?” Lin Muqing’s eyes brightened, appearing very pleased.

With her sparkling eyes, Yuan Ming gently nodded.

“Yes, rest well.”

After giving a brief reminder, he added, “Don’t casually drink someone else’s things.”

Lin Muqing showed a slightly confused expression but obediently nodded.

“I will remember Your Majesty’s words.”

“While we’re at it, should we let her drink it?”

Hearing “we,” Yuan Ming responded with an “mm,” leaving with a reminder: “I’ll return later.”

“Understood.”

Yue Yu was overjoyed; the emperor showed such affection toward the mistress, they had become like a family.

…

After leaving, Yuan Ming returned to the imperial study, dispatching three groups to investigate the kitchen, Concubine Chen, and to conduct a thorough re-examination of Lin Muqing’s situation.

By evening, the team investigating the kitchen returned.

The guard respectfully reported, “Your Majesty, the dishes from Shuyu Palace’s kitchen were delivered by a eunuch from the imperial kitchen this morning. Compared to earlier, today’s meal was missing corn and mushrooms. The ingredients have been tested and show no abnormalities.”

“Let’s proceed.” Yuan Ming guessed that they wouldn’t uncover anything significant.

After waiting for a bit, he still didn’t hear back from those examining Concubine Chen, and as the night grew late, he closed the official documents and stood up.

“Eunuch Qin, what about Concubine Chen?”

“Yes.” Eunuch Qin felt uneasy, fearing that he had upset the emperor and worrying about General Chen’s warnings.

Inside Hui Palace.

Concubine Chen was reading in the hall when she suddenly heard the voice from outside, “Greetings, Your Majesty.”

What an unexpected visit—was the emperor here to seek redress?

Seeing the tall and handsome figure of Yuan Ming walk in, she remained composed, greeting him without showing a hint of weakness: “Greetings, Your Majesty.”

“Are you aware of why I’m here to find you?” Yuan Ming stepped into the hall, his lofty figure casting a shadow of pressure.

Concubine Chen heard the command and, lowering her head, dared not make eye contact, speaking sweetly, “Is Your Majesty here to discuss the game?”

Yuan Ming sat on an intricately carved pearwood chair, raising his eyes to ask in a calm voice, “What tea did Lin Shuyi drink today?”

“It was the Wushan Black Tea sent to me by the imperial concubine. I did drink it,” Concubine Chen dared not hide the fact, even though someone was present.

“What did you say? I also drank quite a bit.”

Yuan Ming didn’t respond at first; he lightly tapped his fingers on the table, seemingly waiting for something.

As Concubine Chen continued speaking but received no reply, her demeanor turned from confident to cautious, edging toward panic.

Just then, a guard walked in holding a box.

“Your Majesty, I humbly report that the imperial physician found that an entire box of black tea was soaked in a cold herbal solution.”

Upon finishing, the guard respectfully handed over a paper filled with neatly written characters, mentioning both Concubine Chen and Lin Muqing’s names.

Yuan Ming took it, reading through it. Upon reaching the line “I hope to raise the child by my side,” a hint of anger flashed in his eyes.

He felt a surge of emotions he hadn’t fully processed before.

Concubine Chen’s face turned white as she hurriedly explained, “Why would the imperial concubine harm me? Your Majesty sees clearly—the tea I consumed was without my notice; I drank plenty.”

“The imperial concubine is trying to sterilize me! Your Majesty, please decide for me!”

While Yuan Ming was reading through their conversation, he suddenly looked up.

“I was not aware, Concubine Chen, that you were injured and unable to give birth?”

Those words caused a massive change in Concubine Chen’s countenance; her practiced facade was crumbling.

How did the emperor know this? She could hardly comprehend what was happening, as even their dialogue had been overheard.

“Your Majesty, I—”

“I have no need for you to admit anything. Since Concubine Chen enjoys raising children…”

Yuan Ming’s eyes turned frosty, his posture straight and composed, legs crossed, devoid of compassion, making Concubine Chen’s back feel a chill.

“I’ve heard that Concubine Chen’s third brother is raising a child with a mistress, and it’s said that she does a good job of caring for him. If you truly wish to raise a child, why not take him back home for you to care for?”

Concubine Chen collapsed back into her chair, understanding that she would not get a second chance at the position she coveted.

“… Yes, Your Majesty.”

As Yuan Ming prepared to leave, he tapped lightly on the box of Wushan Black Tea placed aside.

“Once this box of tea is finished, I will not pursue this matter further.”

Concubine Chen’s face turned ashen, and panic washed over her as she realized the tea contained poison. She hesitated further but could not find the right words.

“Your Majesty, on my father’s behalf…”

He paused, laughing, his eyes deep as obsidian yet devoid of warmth, filled instead with mockery.

“Concubine Chen, go ask your father if I need to placate his emotions!”