Chapter 317: Chapter 260: The Incident of Consort Xian Being Drugged Is Exposed

Jun Moling, upon hearing Shen Ruoxi’s words, couldn’t help but frown and said worriedly, "My dear, no, this matter is too dangerous."

Shen Ruoxi let out a soft laugh, her beautiful eyes revealing determination and wisdom. "You can’t catch a wolf without risking the lamb, husband. The one who intercepted Zhen’er is extremely insidious, and danger lurks everywhere.

Don’t forget, they are in the shadows while we are in the light. As they say, open spears are easy to dodge, hidden arrows are hard to guard against.

We can only lure them out to catch them all in one fell swoop and uproot their backing forces completely, leaving no hidden dangers behind."

Jun Moling knew well that his wife’s words made sense, but he couldn’t help but worry about her safety.

"Deploy more personnel, and I have all kinds of medicines ready at my side. If they dare to come, they shall go and not return," Shen Ruoxi said confidently.

Jun Moling reluctantly nodded, but for the safety of his wife, he was determined to make comprehensive plans early on.

"Alright, we’ll do as you say. I’ll formulate a foolproof plan," he said.

Shen Ruoxi nodded, trusting in her husband’s capability.

At that moment, someone requested an audience from outside, saying they were from the Imperial Palace.

Shen Ruoxi was momentarily stunned, then quickly invited them in.

It was Yuan Bao, who greeted them before saying, "Consort Xian invites Princess Consort Zhan to the palace for a discussion."

Shen Ruoxi felt puzzled. She had just spoken with Consort Xian during the Empress Dowager’s birthday last time; could it be that they’ve found the person who poisoned her?

She asked Yuan Bao to wait a moment, saying she would change and head over.

Jun Moling insisted on accompanying her, causing Shen Ruoxi to laugh, "I’m just visiting my cousin, why would you come? It’s fine, I’ll be back soon."

Although Moling knew he couldn’t change her mind, he still nodded in agreement.

However, he sent Mi Er to protect her in secret, as he couldn’t help but worry.

Shen Ruoxi entered the palace and arrived at Consort Xian’s residence, only to find quite a few people inside.

The Emperor was sitting in the center, causing her to pause in surprise before quickly bowing in greeting, "Your Majesty, I..."

Before she could complete her bow, the Emperor gestured for her to rise, "No need for formalities, Princess Consort Zhan."

Only then did Shen Ruoxi regain her composure, glancing around the room with a slight change in expression.

"Your Majesty, what is this?" Shen Ruoxi was full of curiosity. Clearly, her cousin called for her, so why were there so many people in her cousin’s quarters?

"Princess Consort Zhan is with child, I didn’t want to summon you, but there are matters that must be clarified, so I summoned you in Consort Xian’s name. Please, take a seat!" the Emperor said calmly.

Shen Ruoxi glanced at her expressionless cousin and suddenly thought, could it be that the Emperor learned about the poisoning incident?

If so, the matter might be far-reaching. Thinking this, her expression grew even more serious.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

With that, Shen Ruoxi gracefully took a seat to the side.

"Consort Xian, go ahead," the Emperor’s gaze shifted to Xu Ci.

Xu Ci’s face was extremely pale, yet she forced herself to remain composed and said, "Your Majesty, the other day when Ruoxi checked my pulse, she mentioned that I’ve been given infertility drugs. Fortunately, the dosage was small, so I might recover with proper care.

Originally, I didn’t want to make a big deal of this and intended to have the Imperial Hospital verify, to see if it was really as Ruoxi said.

Unexpectedly, I heard from Imperial Doctor Zhou that it was the Empress who sent someone to administer the drugs. I had no choice but to seek justice from Your Majesty."

Shen Ruoxi’s expression also subtly changed.

She had already had her husband send people to investigate, repeatedly instructing her cousin not to disclose this matter.

If it was the Emperor’s doing, then it’s a truly difficult situation.

Yet her cousin had revealed everything before her husband had the chance to investigate properly.

Was it because the situation was too dire to hide anymore?

The Emperor, upon hearing this, looked towards Shen Ruoxi and asked, "Princess Consort Zhan, is this true?"

"Yes, it’s true." Shen Ruoxi nodded slightly.

The Emperor’s expression was displeased as well, questioning, "Princess Consort Zhan, this matter concerns my heirs. Why did you hide it, instead of informing me immediately so I could seek justice for Consort Xian?"

Shen Ruoxi thought to herself, that’s because I feared you were the one behind it.

However, Shen Ruoxi would never say that directly, so she smiled faintly and said, "Your Majesty, I asked Consort Xian to be discreet to investigate in private and see if the culprit would reveal themselves.

After all, firstly, we have no evidence; secondly, we can’t make random guesses. Only by catching the culprit can we have substantial evidence."

The Emperor clearly did not agree, his expression darkening, "Do you not trust me, or do you have someone in mind but cannot say?"

Although his words were vague, Shen Ruoxi could tell that he was questioning her, wondering if she suspected him.

Shen Ruoxi thought to herself, of course I suspect you.

Though the Empress seems the most likely suspect, the Emperor isn’t ruled out either.

First, the Xu Family isn’t ordinary; they are one of Dayi Country’s three most influential families.

Her maternal grandfather holds special privileges, not even needing to bow before the Emperor.

Such a powerful family could easily cause the Emperor to be cautious, worried about the Xu Family’s growing influence. Infertility drugs might be a ploy to suppress them.

Furthermore, court conflicts are always treacherous, with hidden motives. Who can guarantee that the Emperor wouldn’t act ruthlessly to consolidate his power?

Besides, the Xu Family’s reputation is formidable. Even the Empress, if she dared to harm Xu Ci, would have to consider the consequences.

Thus, both the Emperor and the Empress have substantial suspicion in this matter, which is why Shen Ruoxi secretly had her husband investigate.

However, it’s clear the Emperor has no intention to let this matter slide quietly and seems intent on holding someone accountable.

"This was entirely my idea. After all, I grew up in the countryside and am not well-versed in palace affairs.

I always thought it better to find the evidence myself than trouble Your Majesty. Since you’ve heard of the matter, surely you have an idea of who the culprit is, right?"

Shen Ruoxi adopted a strategic retreat, her determined gaze fixed on the Emperor, unconvinced that he would hold her accountable.

Indeed, the Emperor was momentarily speechless, unable to respond to her remarks.

The Empress, tearful and aggrieved, cried out, "Your Majesty, this wasn’t my doing, I am wronged!"

Xu Ci, still composed, spoke slowly, "It wasn’t I who accused the Empress, but Imperial Doctor Zhou confessed himself."

"Slander, it’s slander, I did not do it," the Empress protested, falling to her knees before the Emperor in tears.

The Emperor’s gaze shifted back to Shen Ruoxi, speaking in a stern voice, "I haven’t found the real culprit yet. Though Imperial Doctor Zhou accuses the Empress, it’s just his word. I will continue to investigate.

I just find it outrageous that such a significant matter involving you and Consort Xian was concealed from me. Wouldn’t that be considered treason?"

Shen Ruoxi couldn’t help but find humor in it; the Emperor wasn’t focused on finding the culprit but seemed keen on holding her accountable. Perhaps that’s why she was summoned.

Yet Shen Ruoxi feared nothing, especially seeing the Emperor like that, which only fueled her anger.

Her husband, a Royal Prince, had fought for the country for five or six years, only to face the Emperor’s distrust, who had even taken away his Commander’s Seal and seemed unwilling to stop there.

So she smirked slightly, meeting the Emperor’s gaze unwaveringly, and replied, "This was entirely my idea, unrelated to Consort Xian.

If Your Majesty deems I committed treason, I accept! Whether it’s a punishment or imprisonment, I leave it to Your Majesty’s discretion!"