AWB Chapter 141: Exposed
Chapter 141: Exposed
Concubine Duan coughed violently a few times. Nian Shilan's phoenix eyes were sharp and cold as she said, "If Concubine Duan is not competent for the job, she should have resigned from the palace as soon as possible. You are such an eyesore!"
The emperor frowned, "Shilan."
Only then did Concubine Hua turn away angrily.
Concubine Duan's face was pale, and she said weakly, "I was just thinking about the cassava flour incident that day in Qingliang Palace."
The emperor agreed deeply, but did not show it on his face.
Nian Shilan was furious, "Your Majesty! What is there about Concubine Wan that is worthy of my attack? I'd rather attack Concubine Fang than her!"
emperor:"......"
Concubine Duan: “…”
But then again, Nian Shilan might not be able to handle this situation well.
The emperor frowned and said, "Tell me first, what solid clues do you have?"
Upon hearing this, Nian Shilan immediately calmed down and said eagerly, "I had someone search the ruins of Chunxi Palace. The carpenters said that judging by the spread of the fire, it started almost simultaneously inside and outside. There happened to be a lot of flammable materials piled outside Chunxi Palace, and inside the palace, a dressing table was the worst burned. Most importantly, in addition to the unpleasant smell of burning and smoke, there was also a sweet aroma."
Listening to Nian Shilan's confident words, Concubine Duan felt uneasy in her heart. Could it be that Zhen Huan really revealed some flaws? If so, she would have walked into a trap by coming here.
Nian Shilan was talking so much that her mouth was dry. She covered her chest with her hands and waved to a thin eunuch behind her.
The eunuch bowed deeply, lowered his head and began to speak:
"That smell is indeed the scent of osmanthus oil from the Imperial Household Department. I've been there for twenty years, and I can smell even the slightest bit of something that comes from there."
The emperor's fingers unconsciously turned the jade bracelet, and the round emerald green beads made a clicking sound.
Nian Shilan raised his chin complacently. Concubine Duan lowered her eyes and listened to the eunuch, feeling more and more regretful.
Jiang Zhongmin, the head of the Imperial Household Department, respectfully handed over a booklet. "Three days before the fire in Chunxi Palace, the five bottles of osmanthus oil that Concubine Wan was entitled to were delivered to Chunxi Palace. Osmanthus oil is difficult to store. In winter, it can only be stored for eight months before it needs to be recycled. The average concubine uses no more than two bottles per month. Since last month, Concubine Wan's palace has not had any osmanthus oil sent for recycling."
Nian Shilan smiled charmingly, "I heard that Concubine Wan moved to another palace today. I believe everything has been packed. I asked Zhou Ninghai to take people to Jingyang Palace. I believe there will be a result soon."
The emperor nodded calmly and pretended to close his eyes to rest, but his heart was actually in turmoil.
If it was really Nian Shilan who did it, he could still accept it. After all, she had a criminal record, and he could also take this opportunity to suppress the Nian family.
But Zhen Huan...
The emperor remembered what Zhen Huan did when she first entered the palace, and suddenly got a headache.
At first, it could be said that he was young and didn't understand the palace rules, but now the emperor couldn't deceive himself.
Arson is punishable by death, and damaging trees in the forest is punishable by hanging. Even in the outside world, this is the Forbidden City, the residence of the Emperor!
Being smart means being bold and daring, and a murderous look flashed across the emperor's eyes.
In an unnoticed corner, Feiyan scratched her head for a long moment before suddenly saying, "Your Majesty, I remember the large water vat in front of Chunxi Palace was originally full of water. But before that, Miss Liuzhu, who was beside Concubine Wan, suddenly announced that Concubine Wan wanted to create a separate garden in the back, saying she wanted to plant it for Your Majesty to see, and she insisted on using the water from there. Later, the other sisters wanted to take Xiao Dezi and the others to a nearby well to fetch more water, but Aunt Cui Jinxi said the jasmine, mint, calla lilies, and other flowers needed a lot of water. So they used it again, and later used it for bathing, watering flowers, watering trees, and other reasons. I and the other palace servants were exhausted from the torment and were completely exhausted. The next day, we were assigned various tasks, which is why the water vat was empty for a day. Now that I think about it, it was all planned!"
Feiyan was talking with her hands and feet gesticulating, and the expression of confusion, fatigue, and anger that could not be expressed in words could be expressed vividly on one person's face.
Nian Shilan's eyes widened as she watched, and she silently held Songzhi's hand tightly.
The emperor felt a little depressed. Zhen Huan had never mentioned these things to him, and this was already a clue.
Seeing that the emperor looked unhappy, Feiyan felt proud and secretly thought that she must have avenged her aunt.
Zhou Ninghai came back soon, limping out two ceramic jars with orchid patterns from his sleeves, and said loudly:
"Your Majesty! These are the only two bottles of osmanthus oil left in Concubine Wan's palace."
As expected, Nian Shilan curled her lips and stood up to salute delicately, "Your Majesty, I have taken over the Imperial Household Department. I heard that osmanthus oil is stored in porcelain bottles. Porcelain is insoluble in fire, so the osmanthus oil will be preserved no matter what. However, there are only two bottles left in Wanpin's residence."
Before the emperor could speak, Concubine Duan gasped for breath. Jixiang hurriedly helped Concubine Duan up and said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I'm afraid our queen's cough and asthma have recurred. I will take her back first. I'll take my leave!"
The emperor waved his hand impatiently. Nian Shilan said pretentiously, "Did Concubine Duan just leave like that? I just saw someone escorting a young eunuch at the door. What's going on?"
No one would have Nian Shilan's exaggerated question.
The emperor glanced at Concubine Duan's departing back with displeasure.
The emperor opened his mouth and asked, "According to the palace rules, where should I go?"
Nian Shilan smiled sweetly as she stepped forward and held onto the emperor's arm. "According to palace rules, arson in the palace is punishable by death. When the late emperor was alive, a young eunuch in the imperial kitchen neglected his duties and caused a fire in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, implicating his family."
Nian Shilan pretended to hesitate and said in a soft voice, "Your Majesty, please consider that Concubine Wan has served you for a long time and send her body back home intact."
The emperor felt a sharp pain on his forehead when he heard this, and he withdrew his arm without a word.
"Jingyang Palace is a secret repository of ancient and modern classics. It is a quiet and elegant place. Let Wanpin return to Suiyuxuan and let me think about it."
When she heard that the emperor had no intention of executing Zhen Huan, Nian Shilan was like a big cat with its fur standing on end, ready to jump up and scratch her.
The emperor held Nian Shilan's arm, his brows filled with worry. "Shilan, you are in charge of the six palaces. Don't make things difficult for me. Let me think about it."
Nian Shilan was stunned and bit her lip. "Yes. If Your Majesty is exhausted, I will not be able to rest in peace. Please take care of your health. I will take my leave."
Yongshou Palace,
Jiang Ruyin waited for the news she had expected and smiled strangely.
In your past life, the Empress covered up your misdeeds in order to bring down Concubine Hua. In this life, no one has cleaned up the mess for you. Do you really think you're flawless?