Den of Schemes

Jiang Yunyao: "Let the games truly begin." Her eyes gleamed with icy determination as she prepared to take her next move.

***

The warm glow of lanterns in the Qianqing Palace offered little comfort to the Emperor, whose face was lined with irritation and concern. Over the past ten days, the incident involving the First Prince's poisoning had consumed his thoughts. Despite working tirelessly with the Minister of Justice and the Judge of the Court of Judicial Review, their findings had led to the same frustrating conclusion—that the poison had been found in Willow Courtyard, implicating Noble Lady Hai. Yet, the simplicity of the evidence only deepened the Emperor's suspicions.

Seated at the head of a grand table, the Emperor listened with growing frustration as the Minister of Justice and the Judge of the Court of Judicial Review presented their report.

Judge of Court of Judicial Review: "Your Majesty, after extensive investigation, all evidence still points to the same conclusion: the poison was found in Willow Courtyard, and Noble Lady Hai is the only suspect. There are no signs of external involvement or tampering."

Minister of Justice: "Your Majesty, we implore you to act decisively. The longer this matter remains unresolved, the more it casts doubt on the stability of the court and the palace. Noble Lady Hai must be punished to set an example."

Judge of Court of Judicial Review: "Indeed, Your Majesty. The evidence is conclusive. Noble Lady Hai must be punished to maintain order in the palace and deter such heinous acts in the future."

The Emperor's expression darkened, his fingers drumming against the lacquered table.

Emperor: "So, both of you find no issue in accepting this conclusion?"

The two officials exchanged a glance, their discomfort palpable.

The Emperor's gaze grew cold as he leaned forward in his chair.

Emperor: "And how do you explain this?" He gestured sharply, his voice sharp with disdain. " Noble Lady Hai, a low-ranking concubine, barely three months in the palace, with no allies or influence, somehow acquired a poison capable of killing a prince? And she smuggled it into the palace, undetected by every eunuch, maid, and guard?"

The officials bowed deeply, trembling under the Emperor's wrath.

Emperor: "How, pray tell, did she manage to smuggle poison into the palace without raising suspicion? Speak!"

The Minister of Justice stammered, his face paling as he searched for an answer but found none. The Emperor's voice grew sharper.

Emperor's voice rose, "Speak up! If you can confidently accuse her, surely you must have an explanation for this anomaly!"

The Minister of Justice lowered his head, his silence betraying his inability to answer. He was at a loss. The Judge, sensing the Emperor's growing ire, avoided eye contact, lowering his head further.

The Emperor stood abruptly, his robe sweeping the floor as he began pacing.

Emperor: "Ten days! Ten days, and you come to Us with a verdict that even a child could see is flawed? If this is the level of competence in Our court, perhaps both of you should save Us the trouble and hand in your resignation! Step down and let someone capable take your place! A matter as grave as the poisoning of a royal heir, and all you can do is throw accusations without credible evidence?!"

The officials fell to their knees, pleading for forgiveness. Both officials: "Your Majesty, please forgive my inadequacy. I will redouble my efforts and find the truth!"

Just as the Emperor was about to continue his tirade, the doors to the chamber flew open.

Before the Emperor could respond, an eunuch burst into the hall, skidding to his knees in a panicked bow.

Eunuch: "Your Majesty, forgive this servant's intrusion!"

The Emperor, already irritated, slammed his hand against the table.

Emperor: "How dare you interrupt without permission? Speak, or prepare to face punishment!"

The eunuch dropped to his knees, his voice trembling, "Your Majesty, this servant brings urgent news! Noble Lady Hai of Willow Courtyard... she has been poisoned!"

The Emperor froze, his anger momentarily replaced with shock.

Emperor: "Poisoned? What do you mean? Explain yourself!"

Eunuch: "Yes, Your Majesty. This servant does not know the details, but Imperial Noble Consort Xi's Lady in waiting, Miss Xiuxia reported that Noble Lady Hai appears to have ingested arsenic. She is unconscious, and Imperial Physicians have been summoned."

The Emperor's face turned grim as worry clouded his features.

Emperor: "Arsenic? How is this possible? What else do you know?"

Eunuch: "This servant knows no more, Your Majesty. Miss Xiuxia is outside and can explain further."

Without wasting another moment, the Emperor strode out, his robes billowing as he left the officials scrambling to follow him.

Outside the hall stood Xiuxia, who immediately knelt in greeting.

Emperor: "Spare the formalities and speak. What happened to Noble Lady Hai?"

Xiuxia spoke with a tensed tone, "Your Majesty, a maid responsible for delivering Noble Lady Hai's meals came to my lady, crying and saying that Noble Lady Hai had collapsed. My lady sent me to check, and I found that Noble Lady Hai appeared to have consumed arsenic. Imperial physicians were called immediately, and she is being treated now."

Minutes earlier, the maid assigned to deliver Noble Lady Hai's afternoon meal had entered the Willow Courtyard, only to find Noble Lady Hai collapsed on the floor, her lips pale and her body lifeless. Terrified, the maid screamed and fled, drawing attention from nearby servants and causing a commotion.

Hearing the noise, Imperial Noble Consort Xi, who had been passing by on her way to check on Noble Lady Hai, rushed to the courtyard. She immediately ordered the imperial physicians to be summoned.

When they arrived, the physicians quickly identified traces of arsenic in Noble Lady Hai's body. They administered emergency treatments, stabilizing her condition, but her recovery was still uncertain. Imperial Noble Consort Xi had then sent Xiuxia to inform the Emperor, knowing he would take immediate action.

The Emperor's heart raced as he processed the information and his heart was filled with worry, not because of Jiang Yunyao, but because someone was trying to silence her, "How could this happen? Prepare Our sedan chair immediately. We will go to Willow Courtyard myself."

***

The usually serene Willow Courtyard was now a hub of frantic activity. Servants scurried about while Imperial Noble Consort Xi paced anxiously in the hall, her face pale with worry. When she heard the hurried footsteps of the Emperor, she turned toward the entrance. She was about to bow in greeting, but the Emperor waved her off impatiently.

Emperor: "How is Noble Lady Hai? What happened?"

Imperial Noble Consort Xi straightened, her tone steady despite the worry in her eyes.

Imperial Noble Consort Xi: "She is being treated by the imperial physicians, Your Majesty. Her condition is critical, but there is still hope."

The Emperor's expression darkened further as he looked toward the inner chamber where the physicians worked.

Emperor: "How could this happen? Wasn't she under strict watch?"

Imperial Noble Consort Xi's expression hardened. She looked the Emperor directly in the eyes, her voice sharp with accusation.

Imperial Noble Consort Xi: "Does Your Majesty truly not understand? Someone in the inner palace is trying to silence Noble Lady Hai to cover up their crime of poisoning the First Prince."

The Emperor's eyes narrowed. His voice lowered but carried a dangerous edge.

Emperor: "Enough games, Imperial Noble Consort Xi. Speak plainly. What are you insinuating?"

Imperial Noble Consort Xi's tone turned biting, her worry for Jiang Yunyao evident.

Imperial Noble Consort Xi: "Your Majesty, Noble Lady Hai has been under house arrest for ten days. She has no access to anyone or anything outside this courtyard. Yet, arsenic—a poison so easily traceable—ends up in her food? This is no coincidence. This is a deliberate attempt to silence her before the truth can be uncovered. Someone is desperate to hide their tracks, and they will not stop until Jiang is dead."

The Emperor's face darkened as Imperial Noble Consort Xi's words sank in. His mind raced with the implications. If someone within the palace had orchestrated both poisonings, it meant the danger to his sons—and potentially to himself—was far greater than he had anticipated.

Before the Emperor could respond, an Imperial Physician emerged from Noble Lady Hai's chambers, bowing deeply.

Imperial Physician: "Your Majesty, Noble Lady Hai is stable for now. We have successfully neutralized most of the arsenic, but she remains weak and will need careful monitoring."

The Emperor exhaled in relief but clenched his fists.

Emperor: "Good. Do not fail Us. Her life depends on you. Ensure her safety and report any changes immediately."

Imperial Noble Consort Xi: "Spare no effort. If her life is lost, so will yours."

The physician bowed deeply before returning to his work. The Emperor turned back to Imperial Noble Consort Xi.

The Emperor glanced back at Imperial Noble Consort Xi, her concern for Jiang evident in her eyes.

Emperor: "You say someone is targeting Noble Lady Hai. Do you have proof?"

Imperial Noble Consort Xi hesitated but then spoke resolutely, "Not yet, Your Majesty. But this Concubine is certain this is connected to the First Prince's poisoning. Noble Lady Hai's house arrest gave the culprit the perfect opportunity to make her the scapegoat. The same person who framed her is now trying to eliminate her."

The Emperor paced the room, his thoughts a storm of emotions. He felt anger, not just toward the unknown assailant but also at himself for failing to protect his sons and allowing such chaos to unfold in his palace.

Emperor: "If what you say is true, then someone within the palace has grown bold enough to threaten Our children and attack the Royal family. We will find the one responsible, no matter who they are."

Xi bowed deeply, her voice filled with conviction, "Your Majesty, the palace is no longer safe for your children. The poisoner is still among us, hiding in the shadows."

Emperor: "This palace... it has become a den of schemes. Whoever is behind this will regret underestimating Us."