Chapter 31

“Are you sure? Is Tang Fengyi really pregnant?”

Su Jingyao lay back lazily on the couch, stretching her arms as she asked in a casual tone.

Her fair skin glowed under the sunlight, and her delicate face carried a faint, unreadable smile.

“Yes,” Li Jing replied respectfully. “The Crown Princess has been secretly getting medicine from the Imperial Medical Bureau, claiming it’s to help her conceive. But after a closer look, many of those medicines are actually for stabilizing a pregnancy.”

“My guess is that she’s covering for Tang Fengyi. Tang Fengyi must be pregnant.”

Su Jingyao nodded. She had already suspected as much, but Li Jing’s investigation confirmed it.

She then said, “In half a month, it will be the Crown Prince’s birthday. The Emperor’s health is worsening, and the Crown Prince is taking on more government affairs. He returns to the Eastern Palace later and later these days.”

“This year’s celebration won’t be grand. The Empress has decided to hold a small family banquet in Taihe Hall. But I wonder what kind of surprise the Crown Princess is preparing for the Crown Prince.”

A sly smile appeared on Su Jingyao’s lips.

She twirled a strand of hair between her fingers, her expression thoughtful.

“The Crown Princess is keeping Tang Fengyi’s pregnancy a secret—she must have a plan.”

Li Jing’s eyes darkened with thought.

“In my opinion, the Crown Princess is planning to use this against An Liangdi at the birthday banquet.”

Su Jingyao agreed. She had no spies in the Crown Princess’s residence, so it was difficult to figure out her exact plan. The only way to uncover it was through An Liangdi.

But she didn’t dwell on it further and instead asked another question.

“How is the Emperor’s health? Any estimate on how long he has left?” Su Jingyao asked vaguely.

Li Jing understood her meaning.

“The Emperor’s medical records are tightly guarded by the Imperial Physician Qin, so I can’t access them,” he said regretfully.

“But as a new physician, I once assisted Qin Taiyi in treating the Emperor. Though I didn’t take his pulse, I observed his complexion—it’s not looking good. I doubt he will survive past next spring.”

Su Jingyao frowned in thought, tapping her fingers lightly on the couch’s armrest, producing a crisp sound.

She murmured to herself, “In half a month, it will be the Crown Prince’s birthday. By then, I will be seven months pregnant. In two more months, my child will be born, just around the New Year. The timing is perfect.”

Before Jun Zechen ascends the throne, she would give birth. Then she could rest during her postpartum confinement and make sure he didn’t visit Ling Yue on the night of his coronation.

Time passed quickly, and soon, half a month had gone by.

Su Jingyao dressed early that morning in a loose palace gown, its light color as soft as drifting clouds, flowing gently around her figure.

She sat gracefully on the couch, her posture elegant.

She picked up a book of poetry, flipping through the pages, the sound of paper rustling softly.

Her long eyelashes cast delicate shadows as she lowered her gaze, her expression calm and unreadable.

Su Jingyao spoke lightly, “Miaoyun, send someone to invite Imperial Physician Jin. Have him check my pulse before we leave for Taihe Hall.”

She knew today would not be simple.

Although the conflict was between the Crown Princess and An Liangdi, there was no guarantee that she wouldn’t be dragged into it.

When Li Jing arrived, he saw Su Jingyao sitting there, reading poetry with full concentration.

Her fair skin glowed in the sunlight, and even without makeup, her beauty was breathtaking.

Her long hair cascaded down her shoulders, swaying gently as she moved, adding a hint of allure.

Li Jing didn’t dare to look at her any longer. A wave of panic surged in his heart. He quickly bowed his head respectfully and greeted her.

“Greetings to the Side Consort.”

“You may rise.”

Su Jingyao slowly lifted her head, her gaze falling on Li Jing.

She put down the book in her hand and stood up from the couch.

“Today, when I go to the Taihe Hall, I will take Miaoyun and Miaoxia with me. Check us carefully to see if there’s anything unusual on us.”

Miaoyun and Miaoxia finally understood why their mistress had dressed so early today and even summoned Imperial Physician Jin. It all made sense now.

They exchanged glances, both acknowledging their mistress’s careful planning.

“Yes, Side Consort.”

Li Jing got up and first checked Miaoyun and Miaoxia, circling them to see if anything was out of place. He found nothing unusual.

Then, he turned to Su Jingyao, carefully inspecting her.

“Side Consort, have you used any fragrance today?”

Su Jingyao’s dressing and grooming were always handled by Miaoxia, so she answered on behalf of her mistress.

“Imperial Physician Jin, the mistress never uses fragrance. She only applies floral essential oils for skincare.”

Li Jing frowned slightly, deep in thought. His brows furrowed tightly, and faint wrinkles appeared on his forehead.

Seeing this, Su Jingyao felt a little uneasy. She raised an eyebrow slightly and asked, “Is there something wrong?”

Her sharp gaze was fixed on Li Jing, watching his every expression.

“Chuanxiong, safflower, danshen, and motherwort are common herbs for promoting blood circulation and removing blood clots. Pregnant women must avoid them at all costs.”

“Chuanxiong has a strong distinctive scent. Safflower also has a special fragrance. Danshen has a strong medicinal smell, while motherwort has a faint grassy scent.”

“There is a motherwort smell on the Side Consort’s body. Since you use herbal essential oils daily, your natural scent has masked it well. If I hadn’t smelled carefully, I wouldn’t have noticed.”

Moreover, the grassy scent was subtle. Only someone very familiar with motherwort’s aroma could detect it.

“Can you find out where the scent is coming from?” Her voice carried a hint of coldness.

“I suggest the Side Consort change out of this palace gown.”

Li Jing’s eyes showed concern. The palace was full of schemes. She would face even more in the future, and this was just within the Eastern Palace.

Miaoxia was startled. She was responsible for her mistress’s clothing. Her face turned pale instantly, and she quickly stepped forward.

“Master, let me help you into the bedroom to change. Fortunately, this gown was just put on.”

Her voice carried urgency.

If her mistress had worn this gown to the Crown Prince’s birthday banquet, several hours in it could have harmed the royal heir!

Su Jingyao nodded slightly and walked into the bedroom without a word.

She changed into a regular dress she often wore.

This palace gown was newly retrieved from the internal affairs bureau by Miaoxia a few days ago. Since Su Jingyao was pregnant, her old gowns no longer fit.

After changing, she stepped out, and Li Jing checked her again.

“Side Consort, there’s no motherwort smell now.”

“Miaoxia, give the palace gown to Imperial Physician Jin for examination,” Su Jingyao ordered.

Miaoxia took the gown from the clothing rack inside the bedroom and handed it over.

Li Jing carefully examined it, his expression turning serious.

“Side Consort, this gown indeed carries the scent of motherwort. It seems to be coming from the embroidery threads.”

Li Jing spoke slowly, a hint of confusion in his eyes.

Su Jingyao circled the gown, scrutinizing every detail carefully.

On the surface, the gown looked completely normal.

If the issue was with the embroidery threads, that meant the threads used to sew this gown had been soaked in motherwort juice before being stitched.

Su Jingyao pondered, her face showing deep thought.

Miaoxia also stepped forward, closely examining the intricate embroidery patterns.

She stared at the stitches, afraid to miss any detail.

Suddenly, her brows furrowed, and she looked shocked.

“Master, the embroidery stitches seem different.” Miaoxia’s voice carried doubt.

Hearing this, Su Jingyao stepped closer, lightly running her fingers over the patterns, her expression turning serious.

It seemed like someone had stitched over the original embroidery with new threads.

If that were the case, it meant there was a traitor inside Yiyan Hall!

A sharp glint flashed through Su Jingyao’s eyes, but her face remained calm.

She leaned back against a soft cushion, reclining slightly in a lazy posture.

“Miaoxia, call in the maids skilled in embroidery. I want to know who dared to do such a thing under my nose.”

Her voice was calm, but her gaze was piercing, making others too afraid to approach.

Miaoxia thought for a moment. Among the Yiyan Hall maids, only Ru’er and Meng’er were skilled in embroidery.

She brought them into the room.

“Greetings, Side Consort.”

Ru’er and Meng’er bowed respectfully, their voices tinged with nervousness.

“Rise. I called you here because Miaoxia said you both are skilled in embroidery. I want to make a sachet for the Crown Prince, but since I’m pregnant, it’s inconvenient for me. Today, I want to see your embroidery skills.”

Su Jingyao’s voice was calm and gentle. She continued, “Whoever does better will be the one to embroider the sachet for the Crown Prince.”

“Miaoxia, bring two pieces of fabric and have them embroider a cloud pattern. Let’s test their skills.”

After giving the order, Su Jingyao turned her gaze to Ru’er and Meng’er, her expression filled with kind anticipation.

Ru’er and Meng’er were both surprised at first but soon showed a hint of excitement in their eyes.

This was a great opportunity—embroidering a pouch for the Crown Prince! If he liked it, there would be rewards, and they might even gain favor in the palace.

Both girls, Ruo’er and Meng’er, were excited as they picked up their embroidery samples, hands slightly trembling. They carefully stitched each thread, fully focused on their work.

After a while, Miao Xia checked their embroidery, examining the stitches and knots.

“Ruo’er, your embroidery is good. You can stay. Meng’er, your skills need more practice. You may leave.”

Meng’er bit her lip, feeling disappointed. She had lost this valuable opportunity. Bowing respectfully, she left the room.

Ruo’er, however, was delighted. She had won the chance to embroider something for the Crown Prince! This could improve her standing in the palace.

Su Jingyao watched the whole thing calmly. She had already guessed the truth.

The embroidery on the suspicious robe had the same knotting technique as Ruo’er’s. That meant Ruo’er was the one who secretly altered it!

While Ruo’er was still basking in her happiness, Su Jingyao’s eyes turned sharp like a blade.

“Did you do the extra embroidery on this robe?” she asked coldly, pointing at the garment.

Ruo’er’s body stiffened in shock.

But she quickly lowered her head and knelt. “Master, I don’t know what you mean!”

Her voice trembled, but Su Jingyao had already seen her reaction. She was certain—Ruo’er was guilty.