Walking briskly into the hall, Lai Fu glanced up and saw Tong Yi kneeling on the floor, leaning lightly against the Emperor's leg, blinking her eyes as she listened to the Emperor and Consort Hui speak. The word "obedient" hardly did her justice.
The Emperor adored this demeanor of hers. Gently stroking her head, he looked up and commanded, "I shall have my midday meal here today."
Tong Yi lifted her head and asked candidly, "Right here?"
Everyone present understood the implication of her words. Consort Hui naturally did not want Tong Yi to monopolize all the advantages and was about to speak when her son patted her back. Considering the circumstances, she had no choice but to restrain herself.
The Emperor smiled, about to indulge her, when his usually taciturn chief steward interjected, "The Second Prince likely won't remain in the palace much longer. This old servant will have the meal served immediately."
The Emperor was momentarily taken aback, then comprehension dawned. Indeed, Yan Xi would never allow someone under house arrest to swagger about so brazenly under his nose. Recalling the wooden tray of evidence the young man had presented, the Emperor felt a pang of guilt. Evidence of that nature was never easily obtained—who knew how much effort had been expended? And now...
The Emperor's recently warmed heart cooled slightly. Patting Tong Yi's head, he said, "We'll have it here. Serve the meal."
"As you wish."
Tong Yi showed no displeasure. With a soft "oh," she settled back against his leg, occasionally twirling the Emperor's fingers playfully. Her demeanor inadvertently drew Gu Cheng'an's gaze toward her.
The side chamber was exceptionally quiet, its windows half-open. Gu Yanxi listened for movement—only two palace maids were inside at the moment.
According to Lai Fu's account, Tong Yi should be highly favored now. Her treatment, if not rivaling that of Consort Hui who had been an imperial consort for years, should not be so neglected.
Concealed in the shadows, Gu Yanxi watched as a maid left carrying a basin. Scanning the surroundings, he slipped in silently. He tossed a pea-sized pellet near the other maid's feet. Soon, she rubbed her eyes, leaned against a pillar, and fell asleep.
Gu Yanxi approached, carefully wiping away the powdered remnants of the pellet to leave no trace. His eyes swept the room before he swiftly entered the bedchamber without delay.
The extent of Tong Yi's favor was evident here. Precious curios were casually displayed everywhere, and several large pink pearls lay scattered across the floor—one had even rolled near the bedside. Clearly, the chamber's owner placed little value on these items.
After a quick survey, Gu Yanxi went straight to the incense burner. Lifting the lid, he sniffed—the scent was mild, one commonly used in the palace. He collected a small sample, then shook the burner to evenly distribute the ashes and avoid suspicion.
He meticulously inspected every possible corner of the room but found nothing suspicious. Gu Yanxi frowned slightly. Was he being overly suspicious? Could Tong Yi merely be a pawn sent by the Tong family to secure Consort Hui's favor?
Footsteps approached from outside, followed by a soft exclamation, "Heavens, Xiao Xiang, how could you fall asleep? Wake up quickly!"
The maid had merely been affected by the Sedative Powder. Shaken by Xiao Xiang, she soon awoke. Covering a yawn, she mumbled drowsily, "Was I asleep? I'm so tired...""If Her Ladyship sees you, you'll be in trouble." The palace maid who spoke first instinctively glanced toward the palace doors, relieved to confirm Her Ladyship wouldn't return just yet. She helped the other up, saying, "Go wash your face and sober up quickly."
The two supported each other as they headed toward the rear—a perfect opportunity to leave. Gu Yanxi took one last look back before turning away, his eyes momentarily stung by the sunlight streaming through the window lattice. He instinctively narrowed his eyes, but the next moment, they flew wide open as he stared intently.
Disregarding the risk of being seen by the two maids, he stepped forward and closed the two half-leaf-shaped decorative strips atop the window. Examining the grid-like latticework closely, a sudden inspiration struck him. He shut the half-open window pane.
"Ah!"
Gu Yanxi turned around, his mask declaring his identity.
The two maids clung to each other, trembling violently. Recognizing who he was, they immediately dropped to their knees.
Not wanting to alert anyone prematurely, Gu Yanxi gestured to Chen Qing, who had rushed in. Understanding the signal, Chen Qing delivered a swift chop to the back of each maid's neck. Without so much as a groan, they collapsed unconscious. Two figures entered from outside the hall and carried them away.
"Immediately send people to secure the Tong family and the Second Prince's residence. No one leaves, but allow entry. Maintain a relaxed exterior but tight security around Lan Zhi Hall. The First Division will assist me in this operation." Gu Yanxi glanced at the window. "She has an insider in the palace. Root them out."
Following the Heir's gaze, Chen Qing understood where to begin and responded gravely.
"Are there any usable personnel in Lan Zhi Hall?"
"Qu Qi has someone near the Second Prince."
"Have him find a way to get Lai Fu out for a moment. Remember, do not alert anyone."
"Yes."
Exiting the side hall, even standing in the sunlight, Gu Yanxi felt a chill run down his spine. This was the imperial palace, the heart of the Daqing Dynasty. Yet now, someone had a grip on that heart, and he knew nothing about it. He even began to suspect that the matter concerning the Eldest Prince, Gu Chengde, might not be as simple as it seemed either.
"Your Excellency." Lai Fu greeted from a distance, appearing as if he had merely chanced upon the encounter while out and about.
"Has His Majesty finished his meal?"
"He is currently dining. Does Your Excellency have business?"
"Yes. I trouble you to announce me. I have urgent matters to report to His Majesty."
Having spent a lifetime in the palace, Lai Fu was a shrewd man. He immediately understood that the Heir's report was not the main point—the emphasis lay on the word "urgent." The Emperor never conducted state affairs in the inner palace, and certainly not important matters in the quarters of a consort.
The Heir intended to draw the Emperor away!
Lai Fu drew a sharp breath. Could it be that the Second Prince planned to harm the Emperor?
He clenched the flesh between his thumb and index finger tightly. "This old servant will go inform His Majesty at once."
Inside the hall, Consort Hui sat to the Emperor's left, Tong Yi to his right. Consort Hui was serving dishes to the Emperor, but he picked up a morsel with his chopsticks and fed it to Tong Yi instead.
The veins on Consort Hui's hand, gripping her chopsticks, bulged visibly. She took several deep breaths inwardly to suppress the surge of jealousy.
Seeing this scene, Lai Fu's heart leaped violently. He hurried forward and said, "Your Majesty, the Seven Constellation Bureau has urgent matters to report."
The Emperor lifted his eyelids slightly, as if addicted to feeding Tong Yi, and picked up another bite to bring to her lips.
Tong Yi pouted, reluctantly opening her mouth to accept it, her eyes filled with grievance as she looked at the Emperor.
The Emperor's eyes crinkled with amusement. He knew Tong Yi disliked this dish, but he delighted in seeing her unwilling yet obedient expression—every emotion plain on her face.
"What matter is so urgent? Have him handle it himself."There was already precedent for this matter. Lai Fu, fearing to arouse suspicion, dared not disobey. He bowed and retreated, truthfully reporting to The Heir.
"Please inform the Emperor that this humble official is incapable of handling such a significant matter."
Lai Fu relayed the message once more.
The Emperor laughed heartily, "I don't believe him. Let him handle it."
Without waiting for Lai Fu to repeat it, Gu Yanxi had already heard. At that moment, Qu Qi quickly approached and reported in a low voice, "Chief, everything is arranged."
Gu Yanxi adjusted his cloak, glanced up at the sun obscured by dark clouds, and strode into the LanZhi Palace.
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