"Handle Bai Pin’s issue properly. Since you have chosen a scapegoat, make sure it is airtight." "Rest assured, Princess Consort Yi, even if Yi Changzai had ten mouths, she wouldn’t be able to explain it away!" The little shirt was in their hands, and putting some harmful substance on it was effortless. Yi Changzai, you can only blame yourself for your bad luck. Who told you to wander into Bai Pin’s quarters without reason? Lady Chu began to plot how to frame Yi Changzai and extricate herself from the matter. In another part of the courtyard, there were still dead bodies, and Princess Consort Yi didn’t wish to stay longer. Thus, after giving instructions, she left. Initially intending to turn back, she thought better of it and headed to the Empress Dowager’s courtyard. With a concubine-level lady suddenly dead and an unborn heir gone, reporting the news personally seemed the only choice to avoid trouble with the Empress Dowager. "Go and see the Empress Dowager." Princess Consort Yi’s palanquin headed straight to the Empress Dowager’s courtyard, unaware of the coming storm of blood and chaos. In the Empress Dowager’s palace, it was surprisingly harmonious and warm. After days of treatment and Concubine Qian’s careful care, the Fourth Prince was much better than when the incident first occurred. His spirits were good today, and he could sit and play by himself for a while. He held a kaleidoscope in his hand, a fine thing tributed by a foreign tribe. Only the Empress Dowager’s place had such treasures; even the Second Prince and Second Princess had never seen it before. The issue of the Fourth Prince’s deafness in his left ear was a thorn in the Empress Dowager’s heart. Though at first glance, the events seemed to have stemmed from Princess Consort Ying, upon careful calculation, it was not so simple. For example, why did the Fourth Prince fall into the water? And why did Princess Consort Ying go mad just when the Fourth Prince needed treatment? Many questions related to this matter puzzled the Empress Dowager. But to avoid alarming the suspect, she decided to let the storm pass before investigating further. Her gaze softened as she watched the Fourth Prince play with the kaleidoscope, full of compassion. Once a lively and healthy child, now he was much thinner and frailer. Even outsiders would feel pity at the sight. Concubine Qian was indeed patient and always played with the Fourth Prince tirelessly. She spoke mostly by his right ear. This care was apparent to the Empress Dowager. Her gaze revealed complex emotions, which even Nanny Wen, who had served the Empress Dowager for a lifetime, couldn’t understand. As she pondered, Feng Enhai came in. "Empress Dowager, Princess Consort Yi has come to pay her respects." It was a curious timing for her visit. However, there was no interruption, and she waved her hand and said. Princess Consort Yi took a deep breath, her expression somewhat grave, and entered. Apart from the Empress Dowager, there were Concubine Qian and the Fourth Prince. "This concubine pays respect to the Empress Dowager, wishing you peace and happiness." "Your servant wishes the lady well." Concubine Qian carried herself well, likely due to her years as a palace maid. No faults could be found with her demeanor. "Thank you, Empress Dowager." The Empress Dowager did not prompt further, and Princess Consort Yi found it awkward to remain silent, so with some difficulty, she spoke. "Empress Dowager, forgive me, it was my oversight that allowed such a chance for others; Bai Pin has just passed away..." This statement abruptly shattered the tranquil scene. Concubine Qian was stunned by the news. Her face was full of disbelief. The Empress Dowager, however, remained calm, as if she had known this information all along. After coughing twice, Nanny Wen understood. Concubine Qian, not being foolish, realized the Empress Dowager wanted to speak privately with Princess Consort Yi, so despite her shock, she took the Fourth Prince and left. Once everyone had left, Princess Consort Yi felt anxious as if a drum were beating in her heart. Though she had been in the palace for a long time, her interactions with the Empress Dowager were limited. She couldn’t discern the Empress Dowager’s temperament. Though upright, her mind was restless. Read complete versıon only at 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵⁂𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮⁂𝓷𝓮𝓽 However, prolonging the silence wasn’t a solution, so she bowed low and said. "I am incompetent, please punish me. But Bai Pin has passed away, and the child in her belly could not be saved. I truly do not know how to explain this to the Emperor, please guide me, Empress Dowager." Princess Consort Yi finally couldn’t hold back and spoke first. She thought that by speaking in this manner, the Empress Dowager would at least offer some words of comfort. Unexpectedly, upon hearing the Empress Dowager’s indifferent words, Princess Consort Yi broke out in a cold sweat. "Mrs. Chu’s intentions are not correct, causing the death of Bai Pin and her child; do you know how to deal with it?" Earlier, she had told Lady Chu to find a scapegoat, yet not even half an hour after the death, the Empress Dowager already understood its background? For a moment, she was in a panic. But compared to Lady Chu’s guilt, Princess Consort Yi had never been involved in such acts, so she was less fearful. Thus, she attempted to offer a few words in defense of Lady Chu. "Empress Dowager, please perceive clearly. Lady Chu indeed was negligent, but the child wasn’t her cause. When I arrived, I heard that Bai Pin had abdominal pain after Yi Changzai visited. Could there be a connection between these two events?" The moment the words left her mouth, Princess Consort Yi felt a gaze as sharp as a sword piercing her back. The Empress Dowager’s snort made her break out in a sweat like rain. "The Marquis of Northwest was loyal to the court and righteous throughout his life. How come you, his granddaughter, haven’t learned any of his virtues? Framing and setting people up are old tactics, but few dare to frame so casually in front of me." With one statement, Princess Consort Yi slipped from her chair and knelt. No matter how much she refused to admit it, compared to the Empress Dowager, her skills were shallow. With her head bowed, she cursed Lady Chu thoroughly. Not knowing how to act discreetly, now the truth had reached the Empress Dowager. Even if she wanted to, she couldn’t protect her. Fortunately, she was kneeling; if she met the Empress Dowager’s eyes, she might have given herself away. "Empress Dowager, please forgive my error." The Empress Dowager’s authority did not stem from yelling or impatience. She always used the calmest tone to deliver the most intimidating words. Even if Princess Consort Yi wanted to cover for Lady Chu, she didn’t get the chance to speak before admitting defeat. Her gaze seemed to burn holes in Princess Consort Yi’s back. She was known for her exquisite strategy and being the outstanding granddaughter of the Marquis of Northwest. But before the Empress Dowager, she felt like she was insignificant and insignificant as dust. Weighing her options, she decided to sacrifice the pawn to save the king. After all, Lady Chu, since entering the palace, hadn’t been of much help; she might as well be discarded.