Indeed, Huai Qing, as the Empress’s daughter, surely had some idea about the man her mother valued so much that she was willing to be banished to the Cold Palace to protect him.

If I’m Sherlock Holmes, Huai Qing, you’re Watson… Xu Qi An nodded and pressed, “Who is it?”

Huai Qing’s already cool face became even more expressionless, her tone distant and indifferent as she uttered two words: “The Imperial Uncle.”

The words “Imperial Uncle” seemed to be the key to unlocking the puzzle, suddenly illuminating everything for Xu Qi An. All the clues connected, and he finally understood the threads of the Consort Fu case.

“This Imperial Uncle is the Empress’s brother, I assume,” Xu Qi An clicked his tongue.

Only a brother of the same parents could make the Empress willing to bear such a crime to protect him.

Princess Huai Qing nodded slightly, “The Imperial Uncle is Mother’s younger brother, a dissolute playboy who’s uneducated and obsessed with beautiful women. The maids in Fengqi Palace all despise him because every time he visits Mother, he secretly gropes them.”

Her words seemed to express extreme disgust and disdain for her uncle.

“Only now do I recall certain things. The Imperial Uncle used to occasionally visit Mother in the palace, but a few years ago, he suddenly stopped coming. Looking back now, I understand what happened.”

Besides members of the imperial clan, family members of the Empress, Imperial Noble Consort, and Noble Consorts could also visit them in the palace, provided they notified the palace in advance.

Xu Qi An squatted down, his hands submerged in the water bucket, gazing at the sky at a 45-degree angle, and muttered:

“Palace maid Huang Xiaorou was raped by the Imperial Uncle and became pregnant. She wanted to end her life, but the person the Empress had assigned to watch her discovered it in time and saved her… No, that’s not right.”

Huai Qing, in contrast, looked down at her toes and said softly, “Didn’t you say she had given birth? What about miscarriage? Wouldn’t miscarriage also… cause the cervix to close?

“A palace maid’s pregnancy can’t be hidden, but since Huang Xiaorou has survived until now, it means the child wasn’t born.”

Xu Qi An grunted in agreement: “Stretch marks appear after three or four months, and the cervix closes after a miscarriage. I’m more inclined to believe the Empress terminated the pregnancy because the child couldn’t be born, otherwise the Imperial Uncle would have been finished.”

Huai Qing nodded: “So, palace maid Huang Xiaorou harbored resentment and collaborated with the mastermind, seemingly framing the Crown Prince but actually implicating the Empress and Duke Wei?”

“If that’s the case, then Huang Xiaorou must have harbored a deep hatred for the Empress. Well, it makes sense, given the grief of losing a child. But I feel it’s not that simple.”

“What do you want to ask?”

“Your Highness is indeed clever… Why didn’t the Empress just kill Huang Xiaorou? That would have ended everything.”

“Mother is indeed soft-hearted,” Huai Qing shook her head regretfully. Her expression seemed to suggest she pitied her mother’s misfortune and was angry at her lack of resolve.

It seems the Empress is a soft-hearted woman… If it were Huai Qing, she probably would have killed Huang Xiaorou right then to eliminate future troubles… Huai Qing is a woman capable of great things, I can confirm that. Xu Qi An raised his hand to stroke his chin, then stopped midway and put it back in the water bucket while saying:

“Then the case becomes clear. The Empress must have been following the Consort Fu case. When she discovered Huang Xiaorou was the one who killed Consort Fu, and this official questioned her that day, she realized the mastermind planned to use the Imperial Uncle against her.

“This is an open conspiracy. She had to sacrifice either the Imperial Uncle or herself. However, the Empress is really devoted to her brother.”

Huai Qing frowned, “Devoted… What do you mean?”

“For the sake of an incompetent brother, she’s willing to be banished to the Cold Palace. Once she’s deposed, the Fourth Prince will no longer be a legitimate son, truly losing any chance at the throne.”

Huai Qing glanced at him and said with a mocking smile, “In the harem, how different are the consorts’ lives from being in the Cold Palace?”

“That’s true,” Xu Qi An met Huai Qing’s gaze. This was the first time the Princess had expressed dissatisfaction with Emperor Yuan Jing in front of him.

“Mother never cared about harem affairs. She doesn’t cling to the position of Empress. Trading her position for her brother’s life is probably something she’s willing to do. However, the Fourth Prince will surely resent this.”

“Is that why Your Highness sent the Fourth Prince away?”

Huai Qing nodded and asked, “How do you explain the yellow silk fabric?”

“Spring of the 31st year of Yuan Jing’s reign should be when palace maid Huang Xiaorou lost her virginity… No, something’s strange. Huang Xiaorou’s suicide attempt was four years ago, the 31st year was five years ago. We’re just starting the 37th year now.” Xu Qi An suddenly frowned.

Princess Huai Qing understood Xu Qi An’s meaning and said in her melodious voice, “Based on the timeline, she attempted suicide after being forced to miscarry. After Mother terminated Huang Xiaorou’s pregnancy, she arranged for He’er to take care of her.”

“That’s indeed the case, and it matches our investigation results. But doesn’t Your Highness find it strange? As you said earlier, pregnancy and childbirth can’t be hidden in the harem. How could a mere palace maid dare to do this unless she felt untouchable?”

“It couldn’t have been Father,” Huai Qing shook her head.

Xu Qi An agreed with this.

Given Emperor Yuan Jing’s longing for immortality and dedication to Taoist practices, he absolutely wouldn’t have favored a palace maid.

“Let’s go ask this Imperial Uncle. It’s pointless to keep guessing here.”

Princess Huai Qing agreed with Xu Qi An’s suggestion; she seemed to have the same idea.

The two immediately left the ice house and saw the little eunuch’s figure in the distance; he hadn’t left yet.

This little eunuch is quite honest… Xu Qi An walked over and said, “Princess Huai Qing and I need to leave the palace for a while. You can go rest now. Don’t rush to report today’s events to His Majesty.”

The little eunuch looked at him, hesitating to speak.

“If you have something to say, just say it. Don’t stammer.”

“Lord Xu, this servant is a bit afraid.”

Don’t be afraid, I’ll be gentle… Xu Qi An laughed and said, “Rest assured, I won’t let you know what you shouldn’t. Just be obedient.”

The little eunuch finally relaxed, “With your word, this servant can rest easy.”

Xu Qi An had thought he could share a carriage with Huai Qing, but the heartless Huai Qing gave him a fine horse instead.

Sitting on horseback, following the Princess’s carriage towards the Imperial Uncle’s mansion, Xu Qi An couldn’t help but think of his beloved little mare.

Yesterday, when he was attacked, he had sent the little mare away. After killing the three assassins, he went to the ministry to recover. Until now, he still didn’t know the little mare’s whereabouts.

However, before entering the palace this morning, he had instructed his colleagues to look for the little mare.

The carriage window opened, and Huai Qing’s face appeared. Her features were flawless, her nose delicate, her red lips vibrant, the corners of her mouth as precise as if carved. Her beautiful eyes were like autumn waters, clear and transparent.

“Even if Mother is indeed taking the blame for the Imperial Uncle, we still haven’t found the true mastermind,” she sighed.

Xu Qi An didn’t answer, but instead asked, “What I can’t understand is why the mastermind waited until now to move against the Empress?”

They both fell silent.

…

The Imperial Uncle’s mansion was in the Imperial City. When Xu Qi An and the Princess arrived, they asked the guards and learned that the Imperial Uncle wasn’t in the Imperial City but at the old family residence in the Inner City.

“Go ask when the Imperial Uncle moved to the old residence,” Huai Qing opened the carriage window and instructed the accompanying guard.

The guard returned after asking and reported, “This morning.”

This morning? Emperor Yuan Jing proposed to depose the Empress during the morning court session today… Xu Qi An instinctively looked at Huai Qing and found that his “first wife” was also looking at him.

“Go to the Shangguan family’s old residence,” Princess Huai Qing said coldly.

The luxurious carriage made of golden nanmu wood slowly drove out of the Imperial City, taking more than half an hour to reach the Shangguan family’s ancestral home.

Unexpectedly, the Shangguan family’s old residence was just a large compound with three courtyards, not much grander than the mansion Xu Qi An had bought. Of course, in terms of refinement and luxury, it certainly outclassed the Xu residence.

Moreover, there were many guards here.

As the carriage slowly came to a stop, Xu Qi An took out a piece of paper he had prepared for the Qi Viewing Technique from his jacket and ignited it with his qi.

The carriage stopped outside the Shangguan residence. Huai Qing stepped down using a small footstool and walked straight into the mansion. The guards at the gate didn’t dare to stop her.

As they traveled, Princess Huai Qing told Xu Qi An about the Shang Guan family history. The Shang Guan clan wasn’t originally a prestigious family. Her maternal grandfather, Shang Guan Qing, had only been appointed as the Left Vice Minister of Revenue and Grand Secretary of the Eastern Pavilion after Empress Shang Guan ascended to the Phoenix Perch Palace.

Before that, the Shang Guan family was merely a minor clan. Princess Huai Qing’s grandfather, Shang Guan Qing, had only reached the position of Director of the Bureau of Receipts in the Ministry of Revenue, a mere sixth-rank official.

“The Wei family and the Shang Guan family have been friends for generations,” Princess Huai Qing explained. “When Duke Wei was young and his family was poor, he studied at the Shang Guan household. My grandfather was considered half his mentor.”

Xu Qi An nodded. He had only learned about Duke Wei’s connection to the Empress today.

“Then how did Duke Wei…” he hesitated before asking his question, “enter the palace?”

Princess Huai Qing shook her head.

As they passed through the front courtyard, the sound of string and wind instruments reached their ears.

From afar, they saw the doors of the rear hall wide open. Seven or eight dancers in sheer garments were performing gracefully, while musicians played soft, sensual tunes.

Xu Qi An’s eyes widened. Truthfully, he had seen such scenes often at the Imperial Brothel, but even the dancers there didn’t dress as daringly as these women.

These women wore neither undershirts nor undergarments, only a thin layer of gauze. As they danced, they revealed intimate parts of their bodies, flaunting their allure.

In the main seat of the hall sat a middle-aged man with fair skin and handsome features, sporting a thin mustache. His left arm embraced one beauty, his right arm another.

Fondling left and right, he leered at the dancing girls with obvious pleasure.

Several guests sat on either side, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Xu Qi An gained a deeper understanding of the Imperial Brother-in-law’s debauchery and lechery. His sister was on the verge of being deposed, yet here he was, indulging in sensual pleasures. Even more outrageous was that the Empress was taking the blame for him.

It was infuriating. When would these sister-complex enablers stand up?

The Princess stopped outside the hall and glanced at Xu Qi An.

Understanding her cue, Xu Qi An removed his sword and walked to the doorway. He struck the door frame with his scabbard, shouting, “Room check! Men squat on the left, women on the right. Hands on your heads and show your identification!”

The crowd, immersed in their revelry, was startled. Only then did they notice Xu Qi An and Princess Huai Qing standing outside.

The dancers halted their performance, and the musicians stopped playing. The mustached Imperial Brother-in-law was first stunned, then frowned deeply.

Huai Qing stepped over the threshold into the hall and said coldly, “Everyone leave the hall now. Do not come within a hundred paces of this place. Those who disobey will be executed without mercy.”

Xu Qi An loudly responded, “Yes, Your Highness!”

He flicked his thumb, partially unsheathing his sword, and surveyed the crowd in the hall. “Why aren’t you scurrying away yet?”

The musicians, dancers, and guests scattered in a flurry.

“Don’t leave, don’t leave…” the Imperial Brother-in-law shouted, but he couldn’t stop the dispersing crowd. Furious, he stamped his foot and pointed at Xu Qi An, cursing, “Where did you come from, you dog of a servant? Someone, come here!”

Xu Qi An frowned, thinking to himself that it was no wonder Princess Huai Qing despised this uncle so much, and why she had immediately suspected him. This man was the epitome of a spoiled noble.

After shouting a few times and seeing no one coming to his aid, the Imperial Brother-in-law stopped. He narrowed his eyes at Princess Huai Qing. “Huai Qing, why aren’t you staying in the palace? What are you doing at your uncle’s mansion?”

“Does Uncle know about Father Emperor deposing the Empress?” Huai Qing’s voice was like the biting wind of deep winter, filled with icy intent. “Father Emperor proposed deposing the Empress at today’s morning court. Yet you, Mother Empress’s brother, still have the heart to revel in drink and pleasure at your mansion.”

“Of course I know,” the Imperial Brother-in-law suddenly became agitated. “But what can I do? I’m not Wei Yuan. If I say don’t depose the Empress, will His Majesty agree?”

“Does Uncle know the reason why Father Emperor is deposing the Empress?” the Princess asked.

“Isn’t it because my sister tried to make the Fourth Prince the Crown Prince by framing the current Eastern Palace occupant?” The Imperial Brother-in-law said loudly. Then he snorted, seeming to disdain the Empress’s actions.

Xu Qi An carefully looked at Huai Qing. She remained calm from start to finish, or rather, cold.

He was about to press about Huang Xiao Rou’s matter when he saw Huai Qing wave her hand, stopping him. The Princess then gave a cold laugh. “Uncle, I’ve come by Imperial order to arrest you.”

The Imperial Brother-in-law was stunned. “Arrest me? On what grounds?”

Huai Qing finally revealed a cold smile. “On the grounds of the palace maid Huang Xiao Rou.”

Hearing this, the Imperial Brother-in-law was struck as if by lightning. His whole body shook, and a flash of panic crossed his eyes. He struggled to say, “What Huang Xiao Rou? Huai Qing, what nonsense are you talking about, what nonsense!”

He actually started shouting at Princess Huai Qing.

“You won’t believe it until you see the coffin.” Huai Qing extended her hand, and Xu Qi An passed her the dull yellow silk fabric.

She took it and forcefully threw it in the Imperial Brother-in-law’s face. “In the spring of the 31st year of Yuan Jing, what did you do to Huang Xiao Rou? You know best in your heart.”

The Imperial Brother-in-law was dumbfounded.

The yellow silk slid off his face, seeming to take the last bit of color with it. The Imperial Brother-in-law’s pupils dilated, his expression terrified.

“Who told you, who told you about Huang Xiao Rou?” the Imperial Brother-in-law mumbled.

“Naturally, it was the Empress,” Xu Qi An chimed in, playing along with the deception.

“Bullshit!”

The Imperial Uncle’s reaction was surprisingly strong. Color slowly rushed to his face, though it was hard to tell if it was from excitement or anger. He shouted:

“I am the only son of the Shang Guan family. How could she betray me? How dare she betray me? What face will she have to meet Father in the future? Don’t try to fool me!”

Xu Qi An said, “Because Huang Xiao Rou got involved in the Consort Fu case, her past was uncovered. The Empress had no choice but to confess. In the spring of the 31st year of Yuan Jing, you defiled Huang Xiao Rou in the palace.”

He spoke with certainty.

“Impossible. Huang Xiao Rou died long ago. My sister promised to silence her for me,” the Imperial Brother-in-law said, shocked.

The truth was, the Empress hadn’t silenced her; she had only aborted the child in Huang Xiao Rou’s womb… Huai Qing was right, the Empress was too soft-hearted… Xu Qi An glanced sideways at the Princess.

Huai Qing still showed no expression and said coldly, “Confess truthfully. It’s better to tell me than to confess in the Constabulary’s dungeon. Or would Uncle like to taste the torture in the Constabulary’s dungeon?”

The Imperial Brother-in-law sat down dejectedly.

“Yes, I did have an affair with Huang Xiao Rou, but she was willing. Because she thought I was His Majesty.

“I love beauty, but I’ve grown tired of the women in brothels and the Imperial Brothel. The concubines in my mansion have long lost their novelty to me. Gradually, I discovered that the women in the palace fascinated me more than those outside.

“It’s all my sister’s fault. Her Phoenix Perch Palace has so many palace maids, yet she wouldn’t let me touch even one. His Majesty has been obsessed with cultivation for years and doesn’t approach women. What’s wrong with me wanting one or two palace maids?

“She’s the mistress of the harem. If she agreed, who could stop me? I didn’t want His Majesty’s consorts. That day, I went to the Phoenix Perch Palace to visit the Empress and saw a maid sweeping. She was delicate and lovely, arousing pity. I thought she was a new maid in the Phoenix Perch Palace, so I approached her and started touching her.

“Hah, she thought I was His Majesty and, blushing, didn’t dare refuse, allowing me to do as I pleased.”

Huang Xiao Rou had entered the palace in the 28th year of Yuan Jing. By then, His Majesty was already obsessed with cultivation and no longer visited the harem… A mere palace maid had never seen what Emperor Yuan Jing looked like… Xu Qi An pondered, his Qi-sensing technique still in effect, knowing the Imperial Brother-in-law wasn’t lying.

“When no one was around, I took her to a side room and had carnal relations with her. Afterward, she was overjoyed, believing she had served His Majesty, thinking she was the unique woman who could make His Majesty break his abstinence. Not just her, from the consorts to the maids in the harem, who hasn’t fantasized about being special and favored by His Majesty?”

Impersonating the Emperor to take advantage of a palace maid… No wonder the Empress wants to protect you at all costs. Even ten lives wouldn’t be enough to pay for this crime…

The Imperial Brother-in-law swallowed and continued, “Later, I developed a taste for it and often met with Huang Xiao Rou under the pretext of visiting the Empress. I experienced a different feeling with her, unlike any other woman. But I never expected her to become pregnant…

“It was only then that I panicked. I told the Empress about it, and she severely scolded me, ordering me never to set foot in the harem again. She promised to kill Huang Xiao Rou to silence her and clean up my mess.”

Xu Qi An said softly, “So Huang Xiao Rou always believed she was carrying the Emperor’s child, which is why she hated the Empress so bitterly for forcing her to abort. When she later learned she had been tricked, that the man who had seduced her wasn’t the Emperor but you, the Imperial Brother-in-law… But by then, the child was gone, the matter settled, and she couldn’t oppose the Empress. In her shame and anger, she attempted suicide.

“But the Empress was too kind-hearted. Feeling guilty about your actions, she took miraculous medicine from the Imperial Pharmacy and saved Huang Xiao Rou’s life. She didn’t expect that four years later, it would sow the seeds of disaster.”

“It’s all her fault. If she had killed Huang Xiao Rou back then, how could this have happened today?” The Imperial Brother-in-law said angrily, “She’s the one who harmed me. It’s all her fault!”

“You’re lying!” Xu Qi An suddenly interrupted him, his voice stern. “If it were just about Huang Xiao Rou, the Empress wouldn’t need to take the blame for you. Huang Xiao Rou is already dead, leaving no evidence. The Empress could easily deny it.

“Since she admitted to it, it means that besides Huang Xiao Rou, you have another piece of evidence in someone else’s hands.”