During the Mid-Autumn Festival family banquet, Consort Ying, who was pregnant, was accompanied by four or five attendants. She had left the gathering midway. No matter where she went, someone should have followed her, so why was she lying here alone?
Where were her maids?
Furthermore, how had she ended up lying here in such a state, appearing to be in distress?
Those who had been watching the spectacle with Emperor Chenghua now deeply regretted their curiosity. When it came to imperial matters, one should keep as far away as possible.
Li Qingshu spoke a few quiet words to Emperor Chenghua, and his ashen face softened somewhat. Li Qingshu waved her hand, and the others, understanding her intent, quickly withdrew, feeling immensely grateful to her.
"Your Majesty, perhaps my sister is merely tired and found a random place to rest, not realizing she had wandered into a secluded area."
"Those who followed her deserve to die."
Li Qingshu said, "It's a festival today; no talk of death. It's simple for Your Majesty to decree death upon a few servants, but we must accumulate blessings for the children."
"Hmph!"
Li Qingshu quickly added, "Perhaps it would be best to find an imperial physician to examine Consort Ying!"
Emperor Chenghua did not object. The truth of the matter would surely be revealed with a diagnosis.
"Quickly have a sedan chair prepared to carry Consort Ying back first."
Granny Wenxiu immediately dispatched someone to make arrangements, and soon the unconscious Consort Ying was taken away.
Li Qingshu exchanged a glance with A'si, who immediately understood the signal and followed Li Qingshu out of the garden, returning to the main hall.
Consort Rong had been waiting anxiously for news, but she hadn't expected Emperor Chenghua to return so soon. Although his expression was not good, he didn't seem to be in a fit of thunderous rage. She cautiously looked at Ping'er, seeking confirmation, but the latter had an inexpressible look on her face and shook her head slightly.
What did that mean?
Just then, she saw two more people walk into the hall.
The man was tall and handsome, exuding nobility, with a hint of indulgence on his face. The woman beside him was radiant and charming, her apricot-shaped eyes as bright as the sun and moon. They walked hand in hand, like a perfect couple, drawing all eyes.
These two were none other than Qi Yihan and Li Man'er.
How could this be!
Consort Rong's eyes blazed with fury, her composure on the verge of shattering. It was only with constant reminders from Ping'er that she managed to compose herself and maintain her facial expression.
Why were they together? Had Qi Yihan not fallen for the trap? Why had the person who should have been in Consort Ying's bed returned unharmed?
It must have been Li Man'er!
She hadn't expected her to possess such capabilities. Not only could she not stop her, but Li Man'er had actually managed to rescue the person.
Consort Rong subtly observed the dynamics in the hall, unaware that someone else was also observing her.
This person was none other than Li Qingshu.
From the very beginning, Li Qingshu had found Consort Rong's behavior somewhat odd. Later, she had inexplicably experienced stomach pains. When Li Man'er had left, Consort Rong had seemed angry yet somewhat gloating, and her gaze had been rather meaningful when everyone accompanied Emperor Chenghua out.
Now, with the entrance of Qi Yihan and Li Man'er, she was both surprised and annoyed, her eyes devoid of any kindness.
This Consort Rong had a problem.
These thoughts flashed through Li Qingshu's mind. Smiling, she asked Li Man'er, "Where did you wander off to, my girl?"
"Your Majesty, I had a bit too much to drink earlier and felt a little tipsy. I went out for some fresh air."
Li Qingshu appeared unconvinced but couldn't bring herself to scold her. She then looked at Qi Yihan, "And the Prince? Did he also have too much to drink and go out for fresh air?"
Qi Yihan was not one to be ungrateful. He knew Li Qingshu was trying to help them both clear their names and avert suspicion. With a thick skin, he said, "Your Majesty's insight is sharp; truly nothing can escape your notice. The Prince and the County Princess haven't seen each other for over a month."
The implication was that they had gone to have a private conversation.
Emperor Chenghua's expression had improved by then. Hearing this, he couldn't help but frown slightly, "One must still abide by propriety and not break the rules."
The betrothal gifts had been exchanged, and they were not to see each other before the wedding.
Li Qingshu observed this clearly and displayed a teasing expression, smiling faintly, "If that's the case, Your Majesty shouldn't have let Man'er come. Wouldn't it be better for her to stay home and prepare for marriage?"
"It was my oversight."
"Young love and longing are understandable. Your Majesty, please don't tease them; Man'er's face has turned completely red."
Emperor Chenghua gave a soft snort, seemingly unwilling to reprimand Li Man'er further, "Her skin has always been thick."
Li Man'er pretended to be foolish and said, "Your Majesty, that is unfair! Fortunately, I have been betrothed. Otherwise, with a single word from your golden mouth, no man would dare to marry this thick-skinned County Princess."
Li Qingshu couldn't help but laugh. "You are a wild monkey. It's fortunate that today is a family banquet. Quickly return to your seat."
Li Man'er curtsied slightly and returned to her seat.
A palace attendant stepped forward and cleared away the now-cold food from her table. Qi Yihan also returned to his seat, and new dishes and wine were served.
Consort Rong knew that under these circumstances, she should remain silent, but she simply couldn't stand Li Man'er's effortless popularity and favored status.
She had seen it clearly just now; the way Qi Yihan looked at her could have melted butter. Why should she have it so good?
"County Princess, my stomach was inexplicably aching just now. I wanted to ask the County Princess to examine me, but you ran off so quickly. One might think you intentionally avoided me."
A flicker of coldness flashed in Li Man'er's eyes, but her face showed no displeasure. "Has Your Ladyship summoned an imperial physician? This is a serious matter and should not be treated lightly."
Naturally, an imperial physician had been summoned. Consort Rong had been faking it. The physicians were astute and had only stated that she was fatigued and needed to rest.
"Oh, you're tired? It's understandable. Your Ladyship usually worries too much and overthinks, which can be taxing. If that's the case, why doesn't Your Ladyship return to her palace to rest? Why stay to watch the show?"
Consort Rong was so angered by her words that her face flushed, but she couldn't retaliate, so she gritted her teeth and said, "The County Princess speaks wisely."
Consort Rong stood up. "Your Majesty, Imperial Consort, your humble subject is feeling unwell and will take my leave."
Emperor Chenghua's gaze was meaningful, but he said nothing, merely nodding.
Li Qingshu said, "Your pregnancy is advanced, and your body is not as agile. Rest more in the future." This was tantamount to a form of house arrest.
The difference in their ranks was vast, so Consort Rong dared not say more, only replying, "Yes, thank you for your concern, Your Ladyship. Your humble subject takes her leave."
Ping'er, not daring to lift her head, quickly helped Consort Rong back to her palace.
The Mid-Autumn family banquet, in the end, concluded without major incident but with an unpleasant parting.
The first thing Emperor Chenghua did after leaving was to ask Eunuch Xia, "Has she woken up? What did the imperial physicians say?"
"Your Majesty, the imperial physicians said that Consort Ying had been overcome by a soporific incense, which caused her to faint. The dose was quite strong, which is why she was unconscious for so long. She is now out of danger."
Emperor Chenghua let out a cold snort. "Go to Huaqing Palace."