Consort Rou witnessed this scene and was instantly stunned, while the palace maids and eunuchs behind her all turned deathly pale.

Coming to her senses, Consort Rou loudly commanded the palace maids beside her: “Quickly go summon His Majesty!” Then she pointed at the guard and sternly ordered, “Restrain him!”

The palace maids and eunuchs immediately sprang into action, working together to seize the guard. Consort Rou glanced at the incense burner, then subtly looked away. The palace maids rushed over and hastily dressed Princess Anguo in simple clothing, but Princess Anguo remained unconscious, showing no signs of waking at all.

When the Emperor received the news and hurried over, he saw the scene inside the hall. After hearing Consort Rou’s explanation of the situation, he felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over his head from above, leaving his heart chilled. He slowly asked: “Where is the Third Prince?”

A eunuch replied with cold sweat dripping: “The Third Prince is outside keeping vigil with the others.”

The Emperor’s face was frosty as he said: “Unable to even manage his own wife properly, and such a scandalous incident occurs—still keeping vigil?! Tell him to get in here immediately!”

Consort Rou stood to the side, also appearing shocked, yet she slowly said: “Your Majesty should not be too distressed, lest it harm your health.”

The Emperor glanced at her, his gaze softening as he said: “My sons, one after another, are all such worries, actually causing such incidents one after another.” Then he turned to instruct a nearby eunuch, coldly saying: “Very well, quickly issue orders to imprison all the palace maids, eunuchs, and guards serving in this hall—there must be no mistakes.”

Outside, the palace maid sent by Consort Rou found Tuoba Zhen and reported: “Third Prince, Consort Rou requests your presence.”

Tuoba Zhen frowned: “How could I possibly leave on such an occasion!”

The palace maid’s face showed difficulty. Tuoba Zhen pressed: “Is there something important?”

According to protocol, Consort Rou naturally should also keep vigil, but she was unwell. Consort Lian petitioned the Emperor and specially permitted her to return to her palace to rest first. However, she said she wanted to visit Princess Anguo, so she departed first. Now she suddenly summoned Tuoba Zhen—anyone with eyes could see it was related to Princess Anguo.

Tuoba Zhen’s first thought was that Princess Anguo was being unreasonable again, because this kind of situation really wasn’t the first time. Under normal circumstances he could tolerate such behavior from Anguo, but now he wasn’t prepared to indulge her anymore, whatever she was planning to do!

However, the palace maid was very insistent. She said softly: “Third Prince, this situation is truly different from usual. Consort Rou specifically said to ask you to come in person!”

Tuoba Zhen thought with annoyance of Anguo’s face and said: “Fine, I’ll come right away. Please ask Consort Rou to wait a moment.” What could Anguo possibly have—wasn’t it just feigning illness to trick him into coming? Tuoba Zhen was certain of it, because Anguo had used this trick countless times, thoroughly disgusting him.

A woman could be unintelligent, but to be stupid to this degree was truly revolting!

When Tuoba Zhen arrived, he saw the guard’s face deathly pale, bound to one side, while Princess Anguo wore clothing with the hem slightly disheveled, but her eyes were tightly closed, completely unconscious. With his intelligence, he immediately understood what had happened. He felt so furious smoke rose from his seven orifices—his rage was boundless. He staggered and nearly fell, but was caught by a nearby eunuch. The Emperor angrily said: “Tuoba Zhen, look at what your wife has done!”

At this moment, Tuoba Zhen’s heart burned with extreme fury—he wished he could kill Princess Anguo with one sword strike. But he was, after all, an extremely intelligent person. Now was the Empress’s mourning period—no matter how shameless Anguo was, she wouldn’t choose today to do something so disgusting. Someone must have designed this trap to frame her. However, she actually fell right into it! And was caught in the act! He had thought she at least had some brains, but never imagined she would be so careless! To even let the Emperor find out—Tuoba Zhen’s eyes flashed, but he dared not speak, remaining silent and motionless. The Emperor angrily said: “What, can you not hear my words?”

Tuoba Zhen immediately said: “Father Emperor, someone must have framed Anguo.”

The Emperor had originally been struck with rage, but Tuoba Zhen’s words made him calm down. He said with a dark expression: “Consort Rou, explain in detail what you just saw.”

A trace of sympathy appeared on Consort Rou’s beautiful face as she said: “Just now this humble concubine was feeling unwell, and Your Majesty specially granted permission for this humble concubine to return to my own palace. I also heard that Princess Anguo was resting here. This humble concubine’s palace is not far from here, so by all considerations of propriety, this humble concubine should come to visit. Who knew that upon just entering, I would see Princess Anguo completely naked… held in this guard’s embrace, the two of them performing… performing that filthy act…” Consort Rou’s face grew redder and redder, while the Emperor’s face grew darker and darker, almost to the point of collapse.

How could every single one of them be such shameless wretches!

“Father Emperor, Anguo is still unconscious until now—there must be some reason for this! You must not believe what appears on the surface. Even if she truly had an affair with someone, why would she choose such an extremely inappropriate time! Although Anguo is willful and reckless, she doesn’t have such audacity! Please investigate thoroughly, Father Emperor!” Tuoba Zhen said rapidly.

Consort Rou’s gentle gaze fell on Tuoba Zhen’s face as she slowly said: “This humble concubine also believes Princess Anguo was framed by someone—”

The Emperor raised his eyebrows: “Oh? My beloved consort also sees it this way—why?”

Consort Rou was the most uninvolved person in the palace. When she first entered the palace, the Emperor doted on her greatly for several years, practically spending every day with her, neglecting the six palaces of beauties. Later she even had a son and a daughter, and her position in the palace was unmatched by anyone—there were even rumors she would replace the Empress and become the nation’s mother. This favor she enjoyed even Consort Lian today could not compare to. However, for some unknown reason, her health gradually weakened afterward. She fell ill every few days and had to politely decline the Emperor’s favor. Gradually, the Emperor’s heart toward her also cooled. Consort Rou transformed from a uniquely favored beauty into a lonely consort living indifferently in the deep palace. Of course, everyone knew Consort Rou’s personality was very gentle—she rarely even participated in palace banquets. But an occasion like the Empress’s funeral, she still had to attend. Although the Emperor’s favor toward her had cooled, he still pitied her as always. She merely coughed a few times softly and he let her return to rest—which is how she discovered Anguo’s situation.

Consort Rou glanced at Tuoba Zhen and said regretfully: “Third Prince, you and Princess Anguo have never consummated the marriage, have you?”

Tuoba Zhen was startled, then said: “This…”

The Emperor realized something was wrong, his expression darkening as he said: “Zhen’er, have you been neglecting the Princess—” If Tuoba Zhen had neglected Princess Anguo, then her seeking comfort elsewhere wouldn’t be so strange. Otherwise he really couldn’t understand what reason Princess Anguo would have to abandon Tuoba Zhen and choose a guard.

Tuoba Zhen gritted his teeth. He didn’t know whether Consort Rou had participated in this frame-up, but he could be certain she definitely knew something! He stared at Consort Rou and said: “May I ask how Your Ladyship knows this!”

Consort Rou’s red lips exhaled a breath as she dropped a bombshell: “The reason Princess Anguo refuses to consummate with you is precisely because she is a stone woman.”

Tuoba Zhen’s expression changed: “Your Ladyship, what are you saying?!”

Consort Rou said: “I’m saying Princess Anguo is not a normal woman at all. Just now everyone saw it—she doesn’t have… doesn’t have…” She couldn’t continue, her face growing redder and redder.

Shock appeared on the Emperor’s face. He looked at his own son and couldn’t help saying angrily: “You didn’t know before?”

Tuoba Zhen’s face turned pale. How could he have thought Princess Anguo was a stone woman? He had investigated before—there were no unusual phenomena indicating she was a stone woman! But if she was a normal woman, why would she refuse to consummate the marriage? No wonder every time he entered her room, she would become inexplicably nervous. So this was her secret! She simply couldn’t consummate with him! He couldn’t help grinding his teeth—this Anguo had actually hidden everything and deceived him! Simply unforgivable! Not only that, but she herself couldn’t serve in bed, yet wouldn’t allow him to be with other women. She wanted him, Tuoba Zhen, to forever stay with her, this mentally twisted lunatic!

She truly deserved death! He immediately knelt on the ground and said to the Emperor: “Father Emperor, your son always thought she was on her monthly cycle, which is why I didn’t consummate with her. Later she repeatedly found excuses saying her body was weak to put me off. Your son also had suspicions, but this kind of matter was indeed very difficult to bring up with others. I never imagined she would keep hiding such a secret—it’s truly unbelievable!”

Discovering Princess Anguo’s secret was actually an accident, not within expectations—Consort Rou sighed and looked at the Emperor’s gloomy expression, saying: “Your Majesty, the Third Prince has truly suffered injustice, actually marrying such a principal wife. I hear she’s also jealous and selfish, and has consecutively killed several of his concubines—such sacrifices are all for the country. Your Majesty is benevolent—please don’t blame him.”

Every word and phrase Consort Rou spoke was helping Tuoba Zhen, but to the Emperor’s ears it was extremely piercing. Suffered injustice? Wasn’t this principal wife someone he himself willingly married? Jealous and selfish? Tuoba Zhen could even tolerate her? Could it be—this son had some other intentions?

The Emperor was an extremely suspicious person. If Consort Rou hadn’t spoken it would have been better—once she did, the situation became even uglier. Consider this: any normal man wouldn’t permit his wife to be a stone woman, let alone this woman also killing his concubines, not wanting him to have heirs. Therefore, the Emperor would naturally feel Tuoba Zhen had his eye on Princess Anguo’s position and power, secretly harboring ulterior motives. If he were an ordinary person, it wouldn’t be a big problem, but he happened to be the Emperor’s son. Having designs on a foreign princess was no simple matter. Many things, when left unspoken, everyone understood and the Emperor wouldn’t overly concern himself. But once put on the table, it became truly unacceptable.

Tuoba Zhen knew the situation was bad. Without even raising his head, he crawled before the Emperor, prostrating himself to plead: “Father Emperor, your son didn’t know Anguo had such a condition, but this proves she wouldn’t have affairs with others. Please handle this leniently, Father Emperor.”

The Emperor furrowed his brow, his gaze coldly fixed on Tuoba Zhen. For such behavior occurring in the palace, whether princess or imperial daughter-in-law, all should be secretly executed, because defiling the palace was an unforgivable offense! But Princess Anguo was after all a foreign princess. If she were easily executed, it would only become an issue between two countries. But if not handled, where would imperial dignity be?

Consort Rou said: “Your Majesty, let’s set aside the question of whether Princess Anguo is a stone woman. We should first thoroughly investigate who framed her.”

Tuoba Zhen hadn’t expected Consort Rou to help him, and couldn’t help saying loudly: “Consort Rou speaks truly! Father Emperor, please investigate this matter thoroughly!”

The Emperor’s expression was rigid for a moment. He slowly said: “Someone come, summon Imperial Physician Chen to examine Princess Anguo carefully and determine why she hasn’t awakened until now!”

A eunuch responded and went to summon him. Just then, the Ninth Princess walked in from outside the hall in plain mourning clothes, calling out before even entering: “Third Sister-in-law, Princess Anning and I have come to see you!” Upon entering, she saw people kneeling everywhere and was startled: “What… what’s happened?” Then she saw both Consort Rou and the Emperor present, immediately showing an extremely surprised expression: “Father Emperor, Mother Consort, why are you—”

The Emperor’s expression was ugly. He originally hadn’t wanted to alarm anyone, but looking at the situation, this matter couldn’t be hidden. However, the Ninth Princess was an imperial princess, and Li Weiyang was also the Grand Empress Dowager’s adopted daughter. Letting them know about this matter didn’t exactly count as leaking it outside. It’s just that Tuoba Zhen would be even more embarrassed.

Consort Rou quickly pulled the Ninth Princess over: “Why did you come?”

The Ninth Princess’s pair of bright black eyes showed innocence: “Mother Consort, your daughter heard you were feeling unwell, so I rushed over to see you. I went to your palace but missed you. A palace maid said you came here, so I pulled Princess Anning along to come too. What happened? What’s going on with Third Brother and Third Sister-in-law?”

A trace of awkwardness appeared in Consort Rou’s expression as she held the Ninth Princess, not knowing how to explain. Li Weiyang said softly: “Princess, let’s return first. I see His Majesty and your mother consort have matters to handle.”

Consort Rou shook her head and exchanged a look with Li Weiyang, but said blandly on her face: “Your Majesty, what do you think?”

The Emperor waved his hand: “You all stay!” If they rashly went out and said something, imperial dignity would be completely lost! It seemed he must have Consort Rou thoroughly admonish them!

Consort Rou understood the Emperor’s meaning and immediately explained the situation softly, selecting the key points. When Li Weiyang heard that Princess Anguo was actually a stone woman, she couldn’t help raising her eyebrows, revealing a half-smiling expression—clearly she hadn’t anticipated this either.

Just then, Imperial Physician Chen hurried over. Seeing the situation inside the hall, an expression of extreme surprise appeared on his face. The Emperor frowned: “Quickly examine why Princess Anguo is still unconscious until now.”

From the moment Li Weiyang entered, Tuoba Zhen had closed his eyes and furrowed his brow. After a moment he opened them again, and small flames already burned in his pupils. He suddenly understood—but at this moment, his understanding was useless. He had to find evidence to prove that everything today was Li Weiyang’s doing!

Imperial Physician Chen didn’t know why palace matters were happening one after another, and couldn’t help feeling anxious as he said: “Yes.” He quickly went to take Princess Anguo’s pulse. Earlier, the palace maids had already helped Princess Anguo into simple clothing and lowered the curtain. After studying for a while, Imperial Physician Chen came to his senses: “Your Majesty, Princess Anguo has—been drugged with aphrodisiac incense.”

Aphrodisiac incense? The Emperor said with disgust: “Where did such filthy things come from in the palace!”

Imperial Physician Chen thought to himself that finding this outside would truly be difficult, because aphrodisiac incense was very difficult to prepare and the spices used were extremely precious. But the palace interior was different—in the past, consorts would use some more or less to enhance intimacy. It was just suitable for romance. However, Princess Anguo today had clearly been given an overdose. Moreover, besides the aphrodisiac incense, there seemed to be some other fragrance—he couldn’t immediately distinguish it and dared not speak carelessly, so he could only conceal this detail.

Consort Rou said gently: “Imperial Physician Chen, examine this palace thoroughly and see where exactly the problem lies.”

Imperial Physician Chen responded: “Yes.” Then he began carefully examining the hall.

Tuoba Zhen stared at Li Weiyang, his gaze cold and stern, even hiding a trace of resentment. Seeing him so angry, Li Weiyang’s lips held a faint smile.

Everyone in the hall remained silently quiet, only hearing the sounds of wailing from outside, reaching their ears from far and near. But at such a time, hearing such sounds truly made people feel vexed and disturbed. The tea in the Emperor’s cup remained completely untouched, while Consort Rou’s face showed extreme difficulty. The Ninth Princess was anxious and uneasy, Tuoba Zhen expressionless. The only outsider, Li Weiyang, showed no discernible emotion at all.

Imperial Physician Chen finally examined the incense burner. After confirming repeatedly, he reported: “Your Majesty, it’s calming incense, but within the calming incense powder, this humble servant also detected some powder from Xueyan grass. This kind of herb can make people mentally confused and lost in passion, causing them to do things beyond their control. Princess Anguo hasn’t awakened until now because when this drug is placed within calming incense, it’s not only difficult to detect, but can also intensify the calming incense’s original sleep-assisting effect, making people fall unconscious. No matter what methods you try, they must sleep for a full hour—” Seeing the Emperor’s expression growing more and more terrible, Imperial Physician Chen’s voice grew smaller and smaller until finally he could make no sound at all.

Everyone was stunned—Princess Anguo truly was framed by someone, and they had even found evidence! Consort Rou suddenly began coughing, the sound growing louder and louder, drawing attention. The Ninth Princess said with concern: “Mother Consort, did you forget to take your medicine?”

Consort Rou smiled gently: “It doesn’t matter.”

The Emperor glanced at Consort Rou, the cold light in his eyes softening considerably: “If you’re uncomfortable, don’t force yourself. Return to rest first.”

Consort Rou shook her head and said directly: “If I returned like this, I would truly feel uneasy. We should properly examine what exactly happened.”

The Emperor nodded, then said to Imperial Physician Chen: “So someone deliberately burned this incense in the hall?!”

Imperial Physician Chen nodded. Tuoba Zhen laughed coldly: “Father Emperor, this shows Anguo was framed!” No matter whether this woman was a stone woman, she was now the Third Prince’s consort. Even if he disliked her, he couldn’t fail to save her, because saving her was equivalent to saving himself! If an imperial daughter-in-law committed immoral acts during the Empress’s mourning period, the Emperor would absolutely not spare her. When that time came, he himself would also be criticized. He couldn’t leave such a weakness in others’ hands! Then he suddenly looked toward Li Weiyang, trying to see a trace of panic on her face.

Unfortunately, Li Weiyang’s bright black eyes merely showed a cold light, deep and severe, yet as if this matter had nothing to do with her. From beginning to end she hadn’t said half a sentence.

A thorough and complete bystander—this was the role Li Weiyang played.

Consort Rou coughed for a while, couldn’t help having a nearby palace maid take out medicine pills, tilted her head back and swallowed several, then pulled out a handkerchief from her sleeve to cover her lips as she coughed several times. After a long while she finally caught her breath: “This is good—we can prove Princess Anguo is innocent. Now we just need to root out the mastermind behind this…”

The Ninth Princess murmured: “Who exactly is so bold as to dare act in the palace?”

She said this toward Li Weiyang, clearly seeking her opinion. Li Weiyang’s eyebrows seemed to raise slightly unintentionally. After a moment she said: “Princess, we must question the palace maids in this hall. Since it’s calming incense, ordinary people couldn’t have accessed it, let alone outsiders in the palace?”

Both Consort Rou and the Ninth Princess clearly agreed with this reasoning. The Emperor furrowed his brow: “Who exactly was serving in the hall today!”

Everyone looked toward the pink-clothed palace maid who had been restrained by guards and kneeling in the corner with her head lowered.

The wailing sounds outside grew louder and louder, ghostly and shrill, each cry surpassing the last like wailing spirits. The Emperor had lost patience and was about to rage when a eunuch gathered his courage: “Reporting to Your Majesty, it’s Jin’er.”

The palace maid called Jin’er suddenly shifted on her knees, moving bit by bit toward the Emperor. Seeing this, the guards almost thought she had some plot and drew their swords one after another. However, Consort Rou said: “Your Majesty, she seems to have something to say.”

Seeing that from start to finish the palace maid made no other moves, the Emperor waved his hand. The guards sheathed their swords and returned to their guard positions.

The Emperor questioned coldly: “Was it you who tampered with this calming incense? Who ordered you to do this?”

Tuoba Zhen felt something was wrong about Jin’er’s expression and stood up: “Father Emperor, please hand this palace maid over to your son. I will definitely make her tell the truth!”

Just then, a voice suddenly said: “Your Majesty, this approach is inappropriate.”

The Emperor turned his head and looked over, seeming to involuntarily ask: “Why?”

Consort Rou turned her head slightly but didn’t speak, fixing her gaze on Li Weiyang, smiling as she waited quietly for her to finish.

Li Weiyang’s voice was calm, revealing no trace of anything unusual. Even her tone was soft—of course, only those familiar with her knew that within her gentleness was a poisoned needle: “Your Majesty, Princess Anguo is the Third Prince’s consort. This case naturally cannot be handed to him for interrogation, or there will be suspicion of unfairness.”

Princess Anguo was an imperial daughter-in-law. If she committed such acts during the national mourning and couldn’t prove her innocence, she had only death ahead, regardless of whether she was a foreign princess—the outcome was the same. But she was after all Tuoba Zhen’s wife. If she died, Tuoba Zhen would become the target of public criticism. Even Yue Xi wouldn’t spare him—they would blame this account on Tuoba Zhen because he was her husband. Therefore, regardless of whether Tuoba Zhen liked Anguo, he would spare no effort to protect her.

This point, the Emperor naturally understood. He also didn’t want to punish Princess Anguo, so it was all the more necessary to find the mastermind behind this and investigate thoroughly what reasons caused the other party to use such vicious methods to frame Anguo.

The wailing outside was very loud, almost drowning out Li Weiyang’s voice. Therefore, her words clearly swirled and coiled, close at hand yet seeming at the edge of heaven. Deep meaning seemed to lie in Li Weiyang’s beautiful eyes. The Emperor’s face remained completely unmoved, but his heart couldn’t help trembling.

“Your Majesty, please interrogate personally. This humble concubine is also very curious about what exactly happened.” Consort Rou said this.

At this moment Princess Anguo suddenly whimpered and woke from her daze. Everyone heard the sound and turned their heads back, looking at her with various expressions. She was startled, then memories from earlier flooded into her mind like a tide. Immediately her face turned deathly pale. She stared at Jin’er, remembering that mysterious fragrance, and immediately understood. She said angrily: “You lowly wretch! It was you! You framed me!” As she spoke, she quickly scrambled up and recklessly rushed forward to slap Jin’er across the face. This slap used tremendous force, twisting Jin’er’s entire face to one side. Jin’er laughed coldly but didn’t care at all. Princess Anguo raged to the extreme—actually forgetting decorum, she began punching and kicking. The Emperor shouted angrily: “Seize her! What kind of behavior is this!”

Immediately four palace maids rushed forward to restrain Princess Anguo, but she had disheveled hair and wailed pitifully: “Father Emperor, I was wronged! Someone drugged me and deliberately framed me!”

Li Weiyang laughed coldly. Framed you? This is still light—the humiliation you’re receiving now is merely superficial.

The Emperor nodded and looked at Jin’er: “Did you hear what everyone just said? If you refuse to say anything, I will hand you over to the Third Prince. He will find ways to make you tell the truth.”

Jin’er smiled self-mockingly: “Things have come to this point—this servant has nothing she cannot say. That’s right, it was indeed this servant who did it.”

Princess Anguo said angrily: “Father Emperor, you heard it! This was all premeditated!” As she spoke, her resentful gaze shot toward Li Weiyang. Her first thought was that Li Weiyang had set this trap to frame her—only unfortunately, she had no evidence now! No! As long as she pressed Jin’er hard, she would definitely be able to trace it back to Li Weiyang!

Tuoba Zhen shared Princess Anguo’s thoughts, so he sternly rebuked: “Jin’er, why did you commit this treasonous act?”

“Treasonous?” Jin’er let out a light laugh, straightening her upper body. Her eyes seemed to hide a venomous snake. “I did this to avenge my sister!”

The Ninth Princess asked strangely: “Your sister—who is she?”

Jin’er said coldly: “My sister was the palace maid Ruzhi who served Beauty Zhang. When His Majesty discovered Beauty Zhang having a tryst with the Crown Prince, my sister Ruzhi was implicated and executed together. Of course I must avenge her!”

Everyone’s expressions changed. Tuoba Zhen felt something was wrong. His instinct told him that everything this palace maid did was carefully designed. If she continued speaking, she would surely say something bad! He immediately said: “Father Emperor, don’t listen to this palace maid’s honeyed words. Please hand her over to your son—I’m certain that after careful interrogation, she will tell the truth.”

Li Weiyang said slowly: “This is to use severe torture? Third Prince, testimony obtained this way probably isn’t true. Or are you willing to use such methods to exonerate Princess Anguo?”

Anguo’s face was full of resentment, her beautiful eyes almost shooting fire: “Li Weiyang, how have I offended you that you must frame me like this?!”

Li Weiyang looked at her tense face and smiled gently at her: “Princess, why must you be so aggressive? I’m merely addressing the matter, not the person!” Clearly speaking in gentle words, but to Princess Anguo it was an extreme provocation. She truly couldn’t tolerate Li Weiyang showing such a smile—as if she had designed the trap long ago waiting for her to jump in. Princess Anguo really couldn’t understand—although she hated Li Weiyang, she hadn’t had time to act yet. Why did Li Weiyang hate her so much?!

Someone like her had no way to understand the meaning of friendship, much less comprehend the towering fury when Li Weiyang saw Sun Yanjun’s miserable death.

Anguo wanted to speak again when Tuoba Zhen angrily said: “Shut up!” Princess Anguo was startled, realizing that if she said more, the Emperor would only grow more enraged! She had been high above all her life and never been in such a wretched position. If this were in the Yue Xi palace, Mother Empress would absolutely not give anyone such an opportunity to frame her! And Tuoba Zhen, her husband, the one who should protect her, only thought about the bigger picture at this time. She felt chilled while becoming even more furious. If possible, she wished she could rush forward and claw Li Weiyang’s composed face to pieces.

It was precisely this face that always spoke the most vicious words in the calmest tone! Li Weiyang was the one with the deepest thoughts and most vicious nature! Princess Anguo made up her mind—regardless of whether she could clear her name, she would have her secret guards kill Li Weiyang and vent this anger!

Seeing the mention of Beauty Zhang and the Crown Prince causing the Emperor’s face to flush purple with rage, Consort Rou couldn’t help sneering inwardly, though her face showed puzzlement: “Jin’er, your sister was executed by His Majesty for passing messages for Beauty Zhang. How can you blame Princess Anguo for this? This truly makes no sense!” As if she genuinely didn’t understand, asking seriously.

A strange smile appeared on Jin’er’s delicate face: “Beauty Zhang grew up in hardship with no one to rely on, but because of her beauty, she was noticed by the Third Prince. He secretly trained her, then quietly sent her into the palace. At first she didn’t know why she had come, but later learned the Third Prince sent her to His Majesty’s side to monitor His Majesty’s every move. Moreover, the Third Prince also had Beauty Zhang deliberately encounter the Crown Prince, creating repeated ‘chance meetings’ for Consort Lian to see, making Consort Lian misunderstand that the Crown Prince and Beauty Zhang were already having an affair. He borrowed Consort Lian’s mouth to slander the Crown Prince. This matter—caused Beauty Zhang unbearable pain.”

Tuoba Zhen’s expression changed drastically: “What nonsense are you spouting!” Though he suppressed his voice when shouting this, it still pierced into everyone’s ears, heard clearly.

Li Weiyang’s expression was normal. This Beauty Zhang was indeed originally trained by Tuoba Zhen, only he had deliberately used the Crown Prince’s hand to send this Beauty Zhang into the palace. In the future if the Emperor discovered Beauty Zhang’s identity was wrong, he would only suspect the Crown Prince, not Tuoba Zhen. Who knew the Crown Prince was too foolish and actually developed an ambiguous romantic affair with a spy? Tuoba Zhen made countless calculations but couldn’t account for this. The first time Li Weiyang saw Beauty Zhang in the palace, she had already recognized her identity, only… she had remained composed all along, saving this matter to explode at the most useful moment.

Blue veins bulged on the Emperor’s forehead: “Continue speaking!”

Jin’er began shedding tears, appearing quite convincing, as if truly very sorrowful: “And my sister was the palace maid assigned to serve Beauty Zhang. She accidentally discovered her mistress’s secret, but out of sympathy for Beauty Zhang’s situation, she secretly helped cover for her so others wouldn’t discover her. Who knew that on the day the Empress fell ill and the Crown Prince was keeping vigil in the palace, Princess Anguo secretly found my sister, gave her a hundred gold, and told her to deliver a love letter and an affectionate sachet to the Crown Prince. My sister was unwilling, but Princess Anguo said my mother and younger brother were in her hands. My sister had no choice but to follow her instructions—but she never imagined this was all a conspiracy by the Third Prince and Princess Anguo. Their goal was to frame the Crown Prince and put both the Empress and Crown Prince to death!”

“Stop talking this instant!” Tuoba Zhen suddenly stood up and said sternly. He already understood—Li Weiyang had dug one trap after another waiting for him. She had calculated everything to explode before the Emperor!

The Emperor’s face showed uncertain emotions, his gaze roaming over Tuoba Zhen’s face, making Tuoba Zhen’s heart pound. He knew he couldn’t make the slightest misstep, because the Emperor’s gaze had already begun turning cold.

Tuoba Zhen loudly pressed: “If I were the mastermind behind framing the Crown Prince and Beauty Zhang, why would I plead for them!”

Jin’er laughed coldly: “That was merely misdirection! You usually stay so close to the Crown Prince, always acting like loving brothers. If you hadn’t pleaded at that time, it would only have aroused suspicion! Doing so perfectly cleared your own suspicion while leaving behind a good reputation for loving your brother! Poor Crown Prince never knew the one who framed him was you!”

The Emperor said angrily: “You’re saying the Crown Prince was also framed by someone at that time?”

Jin’er said without hesitation: “Yes! Beauty Zhang was ordered by the Third Prince to deliberately find ways to seduce the Crown Prince! That day, the Crown Prince’s purpose in coming was to refuse her, to make her keep her proper place and not do things to wrong Your Majesty… However, that day my sister was coerced into using this Xueyan grass on the crabapple flowers in the hall, so the Crown Prince couldn’t control himself… Otherwise, Your Majesty, think about it—how could a nation’s heir apparent commit adultery with Beauty Zhang in broad daylight?”

Jin’er’s words were half true and half false. At that time it was actually Li Weiyang who had designed the Crown Prince, not Tuoba Zhen, but Jin’er dumped it all onto Tuoba Zhen! The Emperor was an extremely suspicious person. He had always felt something was fishy. Now hearing these words, he already believed Jin’er’s testimony three-tenths. He stared at Tuoba Zhen, his expression growing more and more terrible.

If Tuoba Zhen could act, he would have long since beheaded Jin’er with one sword stroke. But at this moment, he knew he must remain calm! Princess Anguo’s face was already full of rage.

Yet Jin’er looked at Tuoba Zhen and Princess Anguo without the slightest fear, saying: “You two husband and wife colluded in treachery to frame the Crown Prince. Afterward you even used this matter to kill my sister to silence her—you didn’t even spare my own mother and younger brother. If I hadn’t been adopted into another family when I was young with even my name changed so others didn’t know my relationship with my sister, you would have eliminated me too! Third Prince, everything was actually under your control, wasn’t it? But you definitely never imagined that when Princess Anguo approached my sister, she found a way to send me a message telling me to be extra careful! If not for me, this secret would have been buried forever! You wanted to use Beauty Zhang’s hand to eliminate the Crown Prince and ascend the imperial throne one step earlier!”

“Is what she says true?” The Emperor’s eyelid twitched as he deeply restrained himself. However, he didn’t rage—this emotional restraint was extremely abnormal and even more worrying.

Tuoba Zhen’s cheek muscles twitched slightly, his palms ice-cold and sticky with cold sweat. He immediately said: “Father Emperor, if your son truly committed such a heartless and ruthless act, I willingly accept divine retribution, fall into hell, and never achieve rebirth through all eternity!”

The Emperor didn’t make a sound. He silently looked at Tuoba Zhen as if seeing him for the first time. That gaze was remote, not like looking at a son but at a deeply hidden enemy. Tuoba Zhen’s heart turned cold. He never imagined that after keeping a low profile for so many years, he would be ruined by such a minor Beauty Zhang.

Jin’er said sternly: “Your Majesty, if you don’t believe me, you can investigate Beauty Zhang’s past. This servant believes if you investigate thoroughly, you will definitely uncover traces!”

Cold sweat rolled down Tuoba Zhen’s forehead, though his face remained extremely composed: “You’ve already planned to frame me—naturally you’ll fabricate evidence even if there isn’t any! Unfortunately Father Emperor will absolutely not believe your continuous lies. Father Emperor, if your son truly intended to harm the Crown Prince, there were plenty of opportunities before. Why would I choose now?”

Princess Anguo was completely stunned. She never imagined the one framing her wasn’t actually targeting her at all—the real target was Tuoba Zhen. No, or rather the two of them were grasshoppers tied to the same rope—neither could escape!

However, the Emperor looked at him for a long time without speaking. He seemed to be thinking deeply, his gaze remote and lost in thought. After who knows how long, he turned back to ask: “Consort Rou, what do you think?”

Consort Rou coughed twice, a trace of difficulty appearing on her gentle face: “Your Majesty, you’re truly making things difficult for this humble concubine. How can a woman like this humble concubine judge a case? This humble concubine only feels that the Third Prince has always been on good terms with the Crown Prince—how could he frame the Crown Prince for no reason? If this is truly the case, if he really deceived all of us all along, wouldn’t his scheming be too terrifying? This humble concubine believes the Third Prince is not such a person. Your Majesty should investigate this matter thoroughly to clear his name.”

Though her words seemed to exonerate Tuoba Zhen, the Emperor laughed coldly. Yes—if Tuoba Zhen truly had always been on good terms with the Crown Prince yet stabbed him in the back, concealing everything so perfectly, he was truly too terrifying, too terrifying! Such scheming used in seizing the throne—what a waste of talent! Thinking this in his heart, he coldly looked at Jin’er: “Do you have evidence?!”

Understanding the Emperor’s intentions, Tuoba Zhen’s heart felt like it was half-submerged in water, coldness seeping up from the soles of his feet. The Emperor believed it—he already believed half of it!

For the first time, Princess Anguo felt at a complete loss. She didn’t know that merely investigating a mastermind would involve so many matters! In truth, power struggles in the Yue Xi palace had always been far more severe than in Da Li, but unfortunately she had always been protected by Empress Pei. Moreover, being female, she had no power to inherit the throne, so no one would seek trouble with her for no reason—everyone kept their distance from her. But this matter not only swept her in, it dragged Tuoba Zhen down too! The person behind this was truly too terrifying!

Li Weiyang watched quietly, her face never showing the slightest trace of triumph from start to finish. Her expression remained indifferent throughout, as if no person or matter could enter her heart anymore.

Jin’er knew success or failure hinged on this moment and said loudly: “This servant knew Your Majesty wouldn’t believe me, so this servant doesn’t insist you believe! Eventually one day you will understand that the Third Prince beside you—how extremely ambitious and vicious he is. He watches your throne every day yet must play the filial son to you, the sincere brother to the Crown Prince. Ha! He is the true great conspirator! This servant has said everything that needed saying and has already avenged my sister, letting the Third Prince and Princess Anguo also taste being framed. This servant has nothing more to say!” As she spoke, she suddenly stood up and threw herself headfirst against the wall. Others hadn’t had time to stop her before seeing her fall down covered in blood.

Imperial Physician Chen hurried to examine her, his face turning pale: “Already… dead.”

The Emperor didn’t speak for a long time. Just as everyone trembled in fear at this silence, he suddenly spoke: “Summon the Crown Prince to the hall.”

Consort Rou reminded: “Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has already been deposed.”

The Emperor suddenly raged, his face flushed red: “Then have the deposed Crown Prince enter the palace!”

What was the Emperor planning to do? Overturn the Crown Prince’s case? Terror appeared on everyone’s faces. Tuoba Zhen raised his eyes and stared at Li Weiyang. If his gaze had substance, Li Weiyang would have long been torn to shreds by him…