Chapter 302: Chapter 245: Someone Put Drugs in the Food

"What nonsense are you talking about? No, the Emperor wouldn’t do it. Besides, I really don’t like him. It’s not about his status; I just see him as a brother. Say less of this in the future."

Shen Ruoxi gave her a sideways glance and said.

Xu Ci chuckled softly, "Just joking, you took it seriously."

"Stop being so careless all the time. Be cautious of Yun Yan; she seems cold and uncompetitive, but the ambition in her eyes is unmistakable.

Moreover, she is related to the Empress Dowager. Keep an eye on her since she’s entered the palace." Shen Ruoxi warned solemnly and cautiously.

Xu Ci nodded, "Understood, don’t worry! Our family is not to be underestimated either."

Shen Ruoxi gently squeezed her hand, her eyes full of concern, "It’s good that you understand. Don’t hide anything; it’s better to talk things over with us."

Xu Ci whispered, "Got it, but I can’t leave the palace. It’s you, if you want to visit the palace, you can do it anytime. Don’t forget about me, come around more often."

Shen Ruoxi nodded and sighed, "Understood, ever since I got pregnant, that person has become like a shadow, following me everywhere I go. I can’t do anything about it."

Hearing this, Xu Ci couldn’t help but laugh: "No wonder he follows you even when you change clothes. How many men can do that? Be content with it!"

"Enough about him, you..." Shen Ruoxi looked at Xu Ci’s belly, hesitating to speak.

By all rights, her cousin had been in the palace for two years, yet there was no sign of pregnancy.

Shen Ruoxi never liked discussing matters of progeny, but in this Imperial Palace, it was difficult to stand firm without a child.

Xu Ci seemed to understand her thoughts and gently touched her own belly, frowning slightly, "The Imperial Physician said I’m in great health. The Emperor visits quite often, so I’m puzzled as to why I haven’t conceived yet."

Shen Ruoxi frowned slightly, contemplating, "The Emperor now has two princesses and one prince. The princesses are from the Empress, and the prince is from Concubine Lan. But since she gave birth to the prince, she’s been plagued by illness and rarely shows herself."

"Let me take a look later." Shen Ruoxi said.

Xu Ci nodded, her eyes full of anticipation. She was genuinely baffled as to why, despite being healthy and having frequent visits from the Emperor, she couldn’t conceive.

Before long, the two arrived at Xu Ci’s quarters.

Xu Ci dismissed everyone, found a pink dress for Shen Ruoxi, watched her change into it, and then sat with her. "Let’s cut to the chase; if we’re delayed too long, it’ll be hard to explain to the Empress Dowager."

Shen Ruoxi nodded and responded, "Cousin, is something the matter?"

A trace of worry flashed across Xu Ci’s face as she asked, "Yan Zhen is marrying into the Shen Family. Do you think this will complicate matters?"

Xu Ci’s question was reserved, but her real concern was who the position of General of the Country would eventually go to.

"I guess the Emperor might appoint Xiao Chengyi." Shen Ruoxi frowned slightly, deliberating for a moment before speaking.

Even though her husband assured that it was impossible, she intuitively believed the Emperor would use Xiao Chengyi.

Xu Ci gave her a thumbs-up, "It really might be Xiao Chengyi. Just a few days ago, the Emperor summoned him alone. Although no one knows what they discussed, I feel it’s related to this matter."

Shen Ruoxi smiled faintly, "It doesn’t matter who it is. My husband and I will slowly lay down our burdens. The Emperor can do as he pleases."

Xu Ci lowered her voice, "The Emperor shouldn’t go too far. Rest assured! If it comes to that, we won’t be involved; let them fight it out."

Shen Ruoxi gently placed her hand on Xu Ci’s, "Let’s hope so. Let’s not talk about this anymore. Come, let me take your pulse."

Xu Ci knew it was best not to dwell on this matter. After all, both their husbands were involved, and no matter who won or lost, the outcome was unpredictable.

She just hoped the Emperor would abandon any inappropriate thoughts, or the consequences would be unimaginable.

The truth was, the Emperor never realized a fact: if Jun Moling had no intent, with his prestige, he far surpassed the Emperor.

Xu Ci obediently extended her wrist to Shen Ruoxi, who lightly placed two fingers on her pulse.

As soon as she began the examination, Shen Ruoxi froze.

Instinctively, she drew Xu Ci’s wrist closer to her.

Seeing Shen Ruoxi’s serious expression, Xu Ci couldn’t help but feel nervous, yet she didn’t dare hastily ask, only waiting quietly for Shen Ruoxi to complete the examination.

After taking Xu Ci’s pulse, Shen Ruoxi’s expression turned extremely grim. She lowered her voice and asked, "Do you usually take any medicine?"

Xu Ci was stunned and quickly shook her head, "I’ve never taken any medicine. What’s the matter?"

"Who is responsible for preparing your daily meals?"

"Cui’er and Qing’er handle my meals daily. What could be wrong? They were brought from my maiden family and are beyond reproach."

Shen Ruoxi pressed her lips tightly, "If you haven’t taken any medicine, this contraceptive might have been added to your water or food. The potency is exceedingly strong, and repeated exposure might leave you unable to conceive for life.

I’ll have my husband investigate this matter, but do not inform the Emperor for now. From now on, have Cui’er and Ping’er meticulously prepare everything you eat."

Xu Ci’s face turned a shade of deathly white, "Are you saying it was the Emperor? That’s impossible! Ruoxi, will I ever be able to have children?"

She simply couldn’t believe it. The Emperor, though not fond of her, was still quite good to her. Moreover, he had no reason to do this since the Eldest Prince was already born.

And if she could never have children, her future would truly be hopeless.

Shen Ruoxi’s brows furrowed deeply; she too was unwilling to blame the Emperor and focused her suspicion on this Imperial Physician.

Even ordinary doctors would recognize that infertility was due to taking contraceptive medicine, so how could they claim she was healthy?

But the Emperor had no reason for this!

Instead, she felt the greatest suspect was the Empress.

Shen Ruoxi thought for a moment, lowering her voice slowly, "We mustn’t jump to conclusions. I suspect the Empress might have a bigger role.

After all, the mother of the Eldest Prince came from a humble background—initially just a favoured beauty, elevated to a concubine thanks to the Eldest Prince.

By rights, she should be granted the position of a concubine, yet she wasn’t, indicating that the Empress is not concerned about the Eldest Prince and his mother.

But you, as the Imperial Concubine, in this harem, are perhaps the greatest threat to the Empress.

Having borne two princesses, it’s inevitable for her to feel anxious. Regardless of who the true mastermind is, it’s better for my husband to conduct a secret investigation.

As for your body now, as long as the medicine is stopped and care is taken, having three or five children should be no problem."

Xu Ci, hearing this, finally nodded in relief, "I understand."

"Alright, pay more attention to what you eat and use your own people. Let’s go quickly; being late wouldn’t be good." Shen Ruoxi advised one last time.

Xu Ci replied, holding her hand, "I know!"

Yet, her heart still fluttered with anxiety.

If the Empress was behind this, she wasn’t afraid, but if it were the Emperor... she dared not think further, lest she fall into utter hopelessness.

As the two entered the hall, Shen Ruoxi was immediately taken aback. Her husband, Prince Zhan, was not in his seat. She quickly bowed to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, where is Prince Zhan?"

The Emperor gave her a gentle smile and said warmly, "A few ministers toasted him earlier; he had a few too many and got drunk. I have ordered for him to be sent to the side hall to rest. Princess Consort Zhan, don’t worry, have a seat!"

Shen Ruoxi’s heart skipped a beat. She knew her husband to be a man who could drink with the best, so how could he be so easily drunk?

Instinctively, she glanced towards Xiao Chengyu’s seat, only to find that Xiao Chengyu was also not in the hall.

Her heart sank, a sense of foreboding suddenly washing over her.