In fact, it was not easy for someone to infiltrate the palace.
The Imperial Forest Army patrolled back and forth. Moreover, the Little Eunuchs entering the Ministry of Internal Affairs were all subjected to strict scrutiny.
Only after confirming they were not from seditious groups were they recruited.
And Xiao Xuzi, according to the investigation by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, had been brought in even before Lady Xi entered the palace.
So, Zhao Junyao looked at the documents Li Shengan handed him, his expression once again turning grave.
"This is obviously a spy planted inside the palace!"
Li Shengan bowed his head, terrified. If someone could plant people in the Imperial Palace, just how bold were they! Was this... a plot to rebel?! At the thought of this word, half of Li Shengan’s soul was scared away.
Zhao Junyao also snorted coldly.
"Hai Dasheng is really becoming better at his job!
"Take these documents to Hai Dasheng!"
Having said that, he threw the stack of documents onto the ground.
Li Shengan hurriedly picked them up, bowed, and left. Sigh! What could one say? They had truly stumbled into a major problem!
...
The Harem appeared calm on the surface.
But everyone could feel that the Emperor was in a foul mood.
Therefore, no one in the palace dared to stick their necks out.
Even though it was April or May and the weather was fine, the Harem remained silent and still.
"Sigh! During this time in past years, there were poetry gatherings, tea parties, and flower viewing events one after another!"
"It seems like... not a single event has taken place this year!"
Xia Ruqing lamented.
Zi Yue then said, "After the death of Lady Xi, everyone in the palace is on edge! Who would dare to stand out now and court trouble?"
"Even the Empress hasn’t dared to hold one, so who below her would take the risk?"
Xia Ruqing’s eyes dimmed.
"Just what is the background of this Lady Xi!"
"The more I think about it, the less she seems like she entered the palace to vie for the Emperor’s favor!"
"Instead, she seems like someone who came in specifically to cause trouble!"
Zi Yue interrupted her, "My lady, the person is already dead. Why bother thinking so much about it?"
This time, Zi Su also advised her, "My lady, overthinking will only harm your spirit!"
"If you have nothing to do, why not take a stroll in the back garden?"
"Xiao Zhu Zi is really capable; the watermelons are already the size of eggs!"
"We might actually get to eat the watermelons he’s grown this year!"
Xia Ruqing shook her head, expressing her helplessness.
"Alright, alright, I’ll listen to you all!"
After saying that, she stood up.
"From now on, don’t call me ’my lady.’ I might as well call you all ’my ladies’!"
Everyone burst into laughter.
They surrounded Xia Ruqing and headed towards the back garden.
「Several days later」
Zhao Junyao received responses from the various nets he had cast.
First, Xia Tingfeng had found several moles within the Imperial Forest Army.
Then, Hai Dasheng, assisting the Empress, had managed to uncover all the information related to Lady Xi.
The Empress knelt to report, "Emperor, Lady Xi is the legitimate daughter of Lord Chen, the Prefect of Guangnan Fengshui Prefecture. She was selected to enter the palace during the Jiayuan Year!"
"The list of Fine Ladies was drafted by the Ministry of Revenue, and no issues were found with Lady Xi’s background."
Her identity was real, her name was real, she truly existed—everything was genuine.
There was no case of impersonation, so the Emperor, naturally, could find nothing amiss.
Zhao Junyao waved his hand. "You may go now."
The Empress stood up. "Yes."
Zhao Junyao lowered his head and looked at the information once more.
Everything seemed fine, except... the words ’Guangnan’ were glaringly troublesome.
If someone could effortlessly plant a person in the palace, then, aside from...
Zhao Junyao was irritated and did not want to think further.
At that moment, Xia Tingfeng chimed in unhelpfully, "Emperor, it’s Prince Yan!"
Zhao Junyao glared at him. "Shut your mouth! Do not spout nonsense!"
Xia Tingfeng was speechless. COUGH, COUGH. I wasn’t talking nonsense, though! Only those who have lived in the palace can plant spies within it! So, who from the Guangnan Territory has lived in the palace? Isn’t that obvious?
Xia Tingfeng thought it over and then knelt on one knee.
"Emperor! Your subordinate is willing to investigate! Please issue an order!"
Zhao Junyao turned around, his gaze sharp as ever. What if I really wanted to kick this guy to death? Would it kill him to say a few less heart-stabbing truths? He’s not giving me even a moment to breathe!
Zhao Junyao pondered, extremely impatient.
"Go, go, go! Summon Zhou Lin!"
Xia Tingfeng’s eyes lit up. "Imperial Censor Zhou?"
The same one who arranged a residence for his younger brother years ago?
Xia Tingfeng grinned. "Yes!"
Compared to himself, the courageous and resourceful Imperial Censor Zhou, with his seasoned tactics, should be more suited to investigate this!
Therefore, Xia Tingfeng cupped his fists in salute and left.
「April 8th」
Imperial Censor Zhou departed from the capital to investigate in Guangnan.
...
Having dealt with everything, Zhao Junyao felt his heart was in shreds.
He didn’t dare to imagine if it really was the Ninth Imperial Uncle... What should he do? That was his own Imperial Uncle!
Li Shengan carefully offered a cup of tea. "Emperor, please moisten your throat."
Zhao Junyao was irritable. "No! I’m going to Qingya Residence!"