When Jiang Yun glanced at her, Rong Momo felt as if she had been stared at by a cobra; her whole body trembled and her hair stood on end.
She thought to herself, how could there be such terrifying eyes in this world? But fortunately, the Empress was here, so she wasn't too afraid of Jiang Yun.
Jiang Yun's lips curled into a cold smile. He then withdrew his gaze, fixed it on the Empress, and half-knelt down to pay his respects, saying, "Your subject Jiang Yun wishes Your Majesty good health and Qinggege auspiciousness."
"Um."
The Empress glanced at Jiang Yun indifferently and gave a faint "hmm". Normally, she would have already been sarcastic and sarcastic towards Jiang Yun.
However, the Empress today was no longer as majestic as before; she looked exhausted, clearly uneasy because of the matter concerning the Empress Dowager.
"Jiang Yun, the Empress Dowager, she?"
Upon seeing Jiang Yun, Qing'er immediately jumped up from the stool, went around the square table, grabbed Jiang Yun's sleeve with her little hand, and asked anxiously.
"Don't worry, the Empress Dowager just caught a cold. She took the medicine from Physician Hu and is much better now. However, after several hours of this, she was tired and went to sleep. But she sent me here to inquire about Huazhi."
Remembering that the Empress, Rong Momo, and others were present, Jiang Yun gently patted Qing'er's hand to comfort her, then quickly withdrew her hand.
Hearing Jiang Yun say this, Qing'er immediately felt relieved. She was an intelligent girl, and with a slight twitch of her eyes, she said...
"Since Her Majesty is unharmed, everyone can rest assured. Indeed, it's chilly up here on the mountain, and Her Majesty is frail and easily catches a cold. And not only Her Majesty, but the other ladies-in-waiting—"
Don't worry.
Jiang Yun interrupted, smiling, "I have already informed Physician Hu and asked him to prepare the medicine to keep warm and send it to the ladies."
"Hehe, that's good, that's good."
Qing'er's pretty face flushed slightly, clearly happy that the Empress Dowager was unharmed. She tiptoed and whispered in Jiang Yun's ear, "Jiang Yun, you are really capable. Qing'er admires you."
Hearing the beauty's praise and feeling the warm fragrance of orchids on his ear, Jiang Yun felt a tickle in his heart, but he hesitated because the Empress and others were present.
Jiang Yun could only desperately suppress the emotions in his heart and forcibly suppress the urge to embrace Qing Gege.
He replied with a smile, "This is a subject's duty, and I really don't deserve Qing'er's praise."
"Hehe, I've never seen you so humble before."
Qing'er asked with a smile, her bright eyes blinking, which was quite beautiful.
"Cough cough."
Seeing Qing'er and Jiang Yun huddled together, looking intimate, they seemed to be whispering something to each other.
The Empress was immediately displeased and couldn't help but cough softly, reminding Jiang Yun and the other person to restrain themselves.
Hearing the Empress's reminder, the two hurriedly straightened their expressions. Then, Jiang Yun clasped his fists and bowed to the Empress.
"Your Majesty, I am acting on the Empress Dowager's orders to interrogate Huazhi alone. I hope Your Majesty will grant me this favor."
"Oh? You mean you want me to leave?"
The Empress asked, displeased.
"Exactly."
Jiang Yun spoke frankly and neither humbly nor arrogantly.
"How dare you, a mere imperial guard, speak to me like that? Who gave you the audacity? Huazhi is my maid. Do I not even have the right to interrogate my own maid?"
Hearing Jiang Yun speak to her in such a nonchalant tone, the Empress was furious. She stood up abruptly, slammed her hand on the table, and glared at Jiang Yun, demanding an explanation.
"Your Majesty, I would never dare to be presumptuous in front of you, but this is the Empress Dowager's decree, and I have no choice but to obey."
Jiang Yun carried the Empress Dowager out.
However, the Empress seemed unmoved and still said angrily, "What, are you trying to use the Empress Dowager to intimidate me?"
"Your Majesty, I dare not. I was merely acting under orders. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness. If my words have offended Your Majesty, I will come to apologize to you after I have finished my duties with the Empress Dowager."
Jiang Yun spoke in a calm tone.
"You...you good-for-nothing Fu Jiangyun, you always rely on Consort Ling's favor to treat me with disrespect, and now you're bringing up the Empress Dowager to intimidate me, who do you think you are—"
The Empress looked furious and raised her hand, pointing a trembling finger at Jiang Yun. However, before she could finish speaking, Jiang Yun suddenly interrupted her in a harsh tone.
"Your Majesty, I am here on the Empress Dowager's orders to question Huazhi. Your refusal to leave could it be that..."
Jiang Yun didn't finish her sentence, but her actions clearly conveyed what she meant: she was implying that the Empress had a guilty conscience, was afraid that Huazhi would expose her, and therefore refused to avoid the issue.
"You...how dare you!"
The Empress's face flushed red as she glared angrily at Jiang Yun. Her hand trembled as she pointed at him, a thousand curses swirling in her mind, but she managed to utter only the word "insolence."
"Your subject dares not."
Jiang Yun clasped his hands in a fist and said he dared not, but in his heart he was thinking something else entirely. "That day, when he was peeping at the Empress bathing, he was calling out his own name while comforting himself."
But why does she become a completely different person as soon as she puts on clothes? She seems to be constantly at odds with herself, like she's an enemy. It's really strange.
"Your Majesty, I think Jiang Yun is right. Since Jiang Yun is here to question Hua Zhi on the Empress Dowager's orders."
And since Huazhi is your maid, you should avoid her, otherwise if word gets out, I'm afraid…
Qing'er spoke, but she only said half of what she meant. However, Qing'er's half of what she said was more effective than a hundred of Jiang Yun's words. Sure enough, after hearing Qing'er's words,
The Empress subconsciously glanced at Rong Momo, who nodded slightly. The Empress then glared coldly at Jiang Yun, flicked her sleeves, and angrily walked out of the room.
Jiang Yun paid no attention to the Empress's expression. She had clearly seen the little thing between the Empress and Rong Momo, regardless of the portrayal in the TV series in her previous life.
Even in the real-life world of Huanzhu, Rong Momo can be considered the Empress's 'strategist'. Many times, the Empress's actions were not of her own volition, but rather instigated by Rong Momo.
Just as Rong Momo suggested that the Empress punish Ziwei in order to prevent the Emperor from falling in love with her, punishing Xiaoyanzi was a way to warn the Fifth Prince.
After all, the Fifth Prince and the Twelfth Prince were both princes, and they would inevitably compete for the throne in the future. In ancient imperial dynasties, a mother's status rose with her son's, and only the son could become emperor.
Only when the mother becomes Empress Dowager can the prince become Empress Dowager, whereas the prince who loses in the struggle for the throne will be eliminated.
He himself, along with his mother, wet nurse, and others, were inevitably implicated, and many lost their lives as a result.
This world belongs to the victors, and history is written by the victors. It is cruel, but no one can escape when caught in the vortex, because the consequences of escaping are worse than those of defeat!
Therefore, as the Empress herself, wanting her son to stand out and have the last laugh in the struggle for the throne was not inherently wrong. However, Rong Momo was just a servant.
However, relying on the Empress's favor, he repeatedly instigated the originally kind-hearted Empress to persecute and fight against Xiao Yanzi and Ziwei, which crossed Jiang Yun's bottom line.
Jiang Yun didn't want to see the Empress get caught up in a pointless vortex, so he wanted to take precautions.
Eliminating Rong Momo, this troublemaker, in advance was also a plan for Xiao Yanzi and Ziwei, so that they would not suffer unnecessary bullying when they entered the palace in the future.
Seeing the Empress and Qing'er walk out of the room together, Jiang Yun closed the door and had Gao Yuan and Gao Da stand guard outside the door at a distance.
Jiang Yun then walked around the desk and sat in the chair that the Empress had previously sat in, examining the flowers.
Seeing Jiang Yun's gaze fall upon her, Huazhi raised her head, her body trembling as she looked at Jiang Yun, weakly weeping and pleading, "Big Prince, I am innocent, you must do justice for me!"
Looking at Huazhi sobbing on the ground, a fleeting thought of kindness crossed Jiang Yun's mind, but she quickly buried it deep within herself, since she had orchestrated everything.
Jiang Yun's initial idea was simply to use Hua Zhi to deliver hallucinogenic drugs to the Empress, and then take advantage of the Empress's incoherent state to vent his anger, since the Empress was always making things difficult for him.
But who knew that things would change so suddenly? The persimmon cakes that Huazhi had arranged to send to the Empress were actually given to the Empress Dowager instead. That would have been fine, but then there were those damned certain people.
They also stirred up trouble at this critical juncture, sprinkling a bewitching pill into the Empress Dowager's white fungus and lotus seed soup. And what was even more unexpected was...
The Bewitching Pill and the Illusion Drug neutralized each other, creating the world's most potent aphrodisiac. The Evil Aphrodisiac, Silver Laugh, Half-Step Stun.
It must be said that life is always full of all sorts of unexpected events, but an unexpected event did happen.
Therefore, Jiang Yun had no choice but to deal with the possibility of further accidents, so he had to play the villain.
Jiang Yun stared at Hua Zhi and asked coldly, "Innocent? Hmph, I think there's no one bolder than you in this world. Tell me, why did you poison the persimmons that the Empress Dowager ate?"
"No, this servant didn't. How could I, with my many heads, dare to poison the Empress Dowager's persimmons?"
"Your Highness, I am truly innocent! I beg you, I beg you, you must do me justice!"
Hua Zhi pleaded pitifully, tears streaming down her face.
Her body was tattered, and she had already suffered greatly at the hands of Rong Mama. Jiang Yun couldn't bear to torture her any further, but his words were icy cold: "Tell me, are you a member of the White Lotus Sect or not?"
"The White Lotus Sect?"
When Huazhi saw Jiang Yun accusing her of being a member of the White Lotus Sect, she almost fainted.
She fainted and lay on the ground, kowtowing repeatedly, making loud 'bang bang' noises, until her forehead bled from the repeated banging.
She pleaded in anguish, "Your Highness, please investigate! This servant has no idea what the White Lotus Sect is. I only just heard the Empress say that the White Lotus Sect is a rebel group that opposes the Qing Dynasty and seeks to restore the Ming Dynasty."
"How could I possibly have any connection with the White Lotus Sect? Everyone says you're the most considerate person to your servants. Please, I beg you, you must seek justice for me!"
"How long are you going to keep being stubborn? If you're not a member of the White Lotus Rebellion, then why did you poison the Empress Dowager's persimmons!"
Seeing that it was such a critical moment, Huazhi was still quite eloquent and did not forget to flatter him. Jiang Yun's eyes rolled and he made up his mind.
"I'm innocent, Your Highness! I swear to Heaven that if I've uttered even the slightest lie, may I be struck by lightning and die a horrible death!"
Huazhi knelt on the ground, raised two fingers, and swore an oath while sobbing.
"If you didn't poison her, then why was there poison in the persimmons that the Empress Dowager ate?"
A faint smile appeared on Jiang Yun's lips.
"Your Highness, I don't know either. I was merely following Her Majesty the Empress's orders to deliver the persimmon cakes to the Empress Dowager. Her Majesty the Empress said that the Empress Dowager loves persimmon cakes, which is why she instructed me to deliver them—"
"How dare you!"
Before Hua Zhi could finish speaking, Jiang Yun coldly interrupted, "Several ignorant and foolish servants dared to falsely accuse the Empress. I don't think you'll tell the truth unless I torture you."
As she spoke, Jiang Yun stood up, raised her hand, and made as if to step forward and slap Hua Zhi a few times. Hua Zhi quickly kowtowed and said aggrievedly.
"It's true, Your Highness, I'm telling the truth. I would never dare to lie. It really was Her Majesty the Empress who sent it to me. It's true."
"You dog of a servant, how dare you talk back!"
Jiang Yun raised his hand, as if he was really going to hit him.
"This servant would not dare to lie; everything this servant has said is true."
The flower branches kowtowed as if pounding garlic.
Seeing her insistence, Jiang Yun stopped what she was doing, squatted down, and brought her face close to Huazhi's, asking, "Are you sure the Empress asked you to give this to the Old Buddha?"
"This servant would not dare to deceive the eldest prince. It was truly Her Majesty the Empress who sent this servant."
Hearing Jiang Yun's tone soften, Hua Zhi's eyes lit up as if she had seen a glimmer of hope and was eager to grasp at this lifeline.
"If that's the case, you might still be saved."
Jiang Yun rested his chin on his right hand, fidgeting with his fingers, and after thinking for a while, he spoke to Huazhi.
"Thank you, eldest prince. Thank you, eldest prince."
Upon hearing Jiang Yun say that she could still be saved, Huazhi kowtowed to Jiang Yun repeatedly.
"Don't thank me yet. It's not impossible for you to save yourself."
Jiang Yun waved his hand to interrupt Hua Zhi's kowtowing and thanks, then changed the subject and said, "But you still have to rely on yourself for this; outsiders can't help you."
"Your Highness, I want to live, I don't want to die. Please show me the way. I will serve you like a slave in the future to repay you."
Huazhi pleaded.
"Alright, since you want to live, I'll help you out, but whether you succeed or not depends on your own fate."
A glint flashed in Jiang Yun's eyes, and then he whispered something in Hua Zhi's ear.
"Eldest Prince, you're asking me to..."
After hearing Jiang Yun's words, Hua Zhi suddenly froze in shock.
"What, you can't do it?"
Jiang Yun countered with a question, and made as if to turn and leave.
"Yes, Your Highness, I can do it, but you must keep your word."
Driven by the instinct for survival, Huazhi gripped Jiang Yun's sleeve tightly, steeled her resolve, and nodded firmly.
Empress Dowager's bedroom.
Jiang Yun went straight into the Empress Dowager's room.
The Empress Dowager was dressed in a milky white silk robe and was reclining on her side on the bed.
Her legs were bent, her toes nimbly turned inward, which made her graceful figure even more curvaceous. Since the old lady was facing away from Jiang Yun, her beautiful snow-white buttocks were raised high. In addition, the nightgown was only a thin layer, and you could vaguely see the purple nipples inside.
Pants and a beautifully shaped bottom.
Such a beautiful view made Jiang Yun's throat feel dry.
Qing'er sat next to the Empress Dowager, her face full of joy. She gracefully raised her fair wrist, her delicate little hand clenched into a fist, and gently patted the Empress Dowager's back.
Upon seeing Jiang Yun enter, Qing'er turned around, parted her lips slightly, and smiled at Jiang Yun.
"So beautiful."
Jiang Yun thought to himself, "Qing'er is truly a beauty, especially when she turns around and smiles; she's absolutely captivating."
However, with the Empress Dowager present, Jiang Yun quickly regained his composure, even showing a slight hint of seriousness. He then stepped forward, patted his horse-hoof sleeve, and knelt to pay his respects.
"Your subject, Jiang Yun, respectfully wishes Your Majesty good health and Princess Qing auspiciousness."
After bowing, the Empress Dowager instructed Qing'er, "Qing'er, you may leave now. I have something I'd like to discuss with Jiang Yun alone."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Qing'er quickly stood up, bowed deeply to the Empress Dowager, and then walked gracefully out of the room, gently closing the door behind her. Before closing the door, Qing'er smiled sweetly at Jiang Yun, who was stealing a glance at her.
Jiang Yun then secretly winked at Qing'er.
Seeing Qing'er leave the room and recline on the bed, the old lady turned her gaze to Jiang Yun, pointed to a square stool beside her, and said, "Jiang Yun, sit down."
Jiang Yun quickly said "Thank you, Your Majesty," then lifted the hem of her trousers and sat down on the stool with an air of authority. She then looked at the Empress Dowager, waiting for her question.
"Jiang Yun, how's the investigation going?"
The Empress Dowager asked solemnly.
"Your Majesty, the matter has been investigated. According to the Empress's maid, Huazhi, the persimmon cakes you ate were sent by the Empress. As for whether they were poisoned, Huazhi was unaware of that."
Jiang Yun said seriously.
"What? It was the Empress who ordered it? Why would she want to harm me? I don't believe it. As everyone knows, the Empress is my niece. She has no reason to harm me."
Upon hearing Jiang Yun's reply, the Empress Dowager frowned, her face filled with disbelief.
In fact, it wasn't just the Empress Dowager who didn't believe it; even Jiang Yun himself didn't believe that the Empress would harm the Empress Dowager. Putting aside the kinship between the Empress Dowager and the Empress, from the perspective of interests alone, without the Empress Dowager's strong support, the Empress would never have become the Empress, let alone be able to wield such power in the harem.
Therefore, the Empress will not only not harm the Empress Dowager, but will also protect her. If it is found that someone is trying to harm the Empress Dowager, the Empress will be the first to not forgive Jiang Yun. The Empress Dowager naturally knows this, which is why she asserts that the Empress will never harm her.
Jiang Yun knew, of course, that the Empress Dowager wouldn't believe that the Empress was the mastermind based solely on the testimony of a maid. However, Jiang Yun's opponent was not the Empress.
Mentioning the Empress at this point is merely throwing out a big fish; what Jiang Yun truly wants to get rid of is that old witch, Rong Momo, who happens to be both the Empress's wet nurse and confidante.
If the Empress Dowager were to promote the Empress and then punish Rong Momo, she would inevitably be hesitant and might not be able to bring herself to punish her severely. Jiang Yun understood this, which is why she had Huazhi give false testimony.
By claiming that the Empress was the mastermind, the Empress herself was forced to become involved in the matter and was thus identified as a 'suspect,' making it impossible for her to defend or plead for Rong Momo.
Even if the Empress Dowager is kind-hearted and pardons the Empress and Rong Momo, and punishes them leniently...
In order to silence public opinion, the maidservant would not be punished excessively, and Huazhi's life was spared.
In this way, even if the Empress and Rong Momo escape this calamity, they will be severely weakened and will not be able to pose a threat to Consort Ling and Jiang Yun in the short term.
It would be difficult to do so, as it would also save Huazhi's life and, incidentally, make Huazhi grateful to him and gain her sworn loyalty.
Finally, he could also gain the Empress Dowager's trust through this incident, since Jiang Yun was just a lowly imperial bodyguard who had discovered that the Empress Dowager was plotting to harm her.
Even though the charge of plotting to harm her was not established, he still dared to report the truth. What magnanimity, courage, and loyalty to the Empress Dowager! It is possible that he became one of the Empress Dowager's trusted confidants. It was truly a brilliant move that achieved three goals at once.
Jiang Yun stood up, cupped his fists and said, "Your Majesty, whether Huazhi's testimony is credible still needs to be investigated."
However, in my humble opinion, Huazhi was likely unaware that the persimmons were poisoned; she was simply being used.
"oh?"
The Empress Dowager was intrigued by Jiang Yun's answer and raised her eyebrows to ask, "I am interested to know how you can be so sure that Huazhi was unaware of this."
"Hmph, of course I know, because I'm the one who gave her the instructions."
Jiang Yun thought to himself, but said on the surface, "Your Majesty, there are three reasons, but they are all my guesses and should not be taken seriously."
"It's alright, you may speak freely, and I will listen to you freely."
The Empress Dowager waved her hand, signaling Jiang Yun to continue.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Jiang Yun bowed slightly to the Empress Dowager and then said, "First, Huazhi is just an ordinary maidservant by the Empress's side. How could she possibly poison and plot against you, Your Majesty?"
I don't think Huazhi would have the guts to get involved, and those who want to harm Your Majesty naturally wouldn't tell Huazhi.
If Huazhi were told, she might not have the courage to bring this plate of persimmon cakes to Your Majesty. Therefore, I believe she has been used as a scapegoat.
"Secondly, the claim that Huazhi is a member of the White Lotus Rebellion is also unfounded. Your humble servant has sent people to investigate, and Huazhi's background is quite special. Her ancestors have served the royal family for generations."
His grandmother was also commended by Emperor Kangxi and was appointed as a first-class servant. Then there was Cuilian, a true follower of the White Lotus Sect, who was captured by Eunuch Gao when he led his men to capture her.
She had already hanged herself, but according to the coroner's autopsy, Cuilian was first worked to death before being hung from the roof beam.
This shows that there are still rebels from the White Lotus Sect hiding among us. Fearing exposure, they eliminated Cuilian first.
"Thirdly, if Huazhi is a member of the White Lotus Sect, how could those members of the White Lotus Sect who attacked Cuilian allow her to live?"
Besides, she was fast asleep when the Empress and Princess Qing went to grab the flower branch. Your Majesty, just think about it, you are the mother of the current emperor.
"As the Empress Dowager, would you believe that a mere twenty-year-old maid could poison the persimmons you fed, and then sleep soundly, waiting for someone to arrest her?"
Jiang Yun listed three pieces of evidence to exonerate Hua Zhi, which in turn led to the possible poisoners: the White Lotus Rebels and someone from the Empress's palace.
After hearing Jiang Yun's reply, the old lady slowly sat up, her expression becoming increasingly solemn. After thinking for a while, she asked.
"Jiang Yun, you did a good job in this matter. Just the fact that you dared to report the truth to me even though you knew that this matter might involve the Empress shows your loyalty to me."
However, this matter has far-reaching implications, so we shouldn't alert them yet. We should observe discreetly and, ideally, lure them out of their hiding place.
"Yes, Your Majesty, your instructions are absolutely correct. This humble servant had the same idea. I have already planted spies in the Empress's palace, and I believe it won't be long before we find out the whereabouts of the real culprit."
Jiang Yun said solemnly, but a wicked thought flashed through her mind, "Hmph, Rong Momo, you old hag, just wait to die."
Then, seeing that the Empress Dowager was listening attentively to her, Jiang Yun showed a concerned expression and continued speaking.
"Your Majesty, I suspect that the White Lotus Rebellion is hiding in your palace. These people are ruthless."
"They will not give up until they achieve their goal. Your Majesty, you must be extra careful lately, and absolutely lest these ruthless rebels take advantage of any loopholes."
Seeing that Jiang Yun was genuinely concerned about him and hadn't become arrogant or domineering just because they had slept together, and that she wasn't using this to threaten him, she realized that Jiang Yun was truly concerned about her and hadn't become arrogant or domineering just because they had slept together.
A touch of emotion welled up in the old lady's heart at his endless demands, and she looked at Jiang Yun again.
A deep sense of appreciation arose within me, perhaps mixed with a faint, indescribable feeling...
In short, the Empress Dowager was in a complicated state of mind at this moment. She didn't know what she should regard Jiang Yun as, in terms of the royal backup.
Jiang Yun should call her grandmother, but Jiang Yun just keeps talking to her... With a sigh, the old lady shifted her gaze away from Jiang Yun.
"Jiang Yun, I watched you and your brother Yongqi grow up since you were little. I always thought that the Fifth Prince was more outstanding than you."
However, given your meticulousness, cleverness, and loyalty to me, I have nothing to reward you with.
I was thinking of asking Father Emperor for you, so you could temporarily stay in my palace as a guard. What do you think?
"Your Majesty's favor is deeply appreciated. I must first consult with my father before I dare to reply to Your Majesty."
Jiang Yun replied modestly.
Jiang Yun was good at understanding people's psychology. He thought that if he agreed to the Empress Dowager's request, the Empress Dowager would definitely regard him as a greedy and power-hungry scoundrel.
The trust you've just built up in your heart will vanish in an instant, and you'll have to figure it out yourself.
On the one hand, it allows one to present a virtuous image of being devoted to the Empress Dowager and not seeking power or wealth.
On the other hand, it's also about raising one's own value, carefully manipulating the situation, and telling the Empress Dowager that I'm a highly sought-after person, not someone you can just take as you please.
Sure enough, Jiang Yun's performance made the Empress Dowager's impression of him even better, and she made no attempt to hide her appreciation for him.
Her face flushed slightly as she nodded and said slowly, "Then you can work for me for now. I'll talk to your father when we get back!"
"Your subject obeys the decree."
Jiang Yun bowed respectfully, secretly delighted, thinking, "Haha, Your Majesty, making me your bodyguard is like inviting a wolf into the house! But I'll serve you well, hahaha..."