"In the past few months, I have discreetly investigated quite a few people who were released from the palace back then, and vaguely learned that the Late Emperor and the Empress Dowager were at odds, seemingly because of an Honored Lady with the surname Tian!"
"But the Honored Lady’s name was never discovered after all..."
After all, the Late Emperor’s harem was full of beauties, even if not thousands, there were at least hundreds.
In the main quarters, the Empress and the two Noble Consorts, along with four consorts and nine concubines filled up the space; not to mention those Honored Ladies and Ladies, which must be counted in hundreds.
In such a plethora of women, identical surnames were not uncommon, and there were even identical names.
Servants had to differentiate by size or residence.
For instance, if there were two with the surname Li, they should be addressed as Honored Lady Da Li and Honored Lady Xiao Li, or by their residence.
Under such conditions.
The batch of palace attendants serving at that time probably found it hard to distinguish who was who.
Especially since quite some time has passed, and many have been released from the palace in batches.
Trying to inquire about these people’s titles now likely proves to be extremely difficult.
This is the first point.
And secondly.
With so many consorts in the harem, at that time, the Empress Dowager, then the Empress, was in charge of the harem.
On the surface, it seemed harmonious, with everyone calling each other sister.
But in reality, who truly found anyone pleasing, and who was genuinely harmonious with whom?
As the saying goes, ’three women make a drama’.
Then what chaos would there be with so many women in the harem?
Even the people involved might not be able to clearly speak about those secretive matters.
Having an Imperial Censor investigate such things is truly putting someone in a difficult position, as no one is born a deity.
However, Imperial Censor Zhou is, after all, the head among the Imperial Censors.
With detailed investigations over these few months, discovering Lady Tian’s surname was already no easy feat.
"Emperor, regarding this Honored Lady Tian’s title, perhaps you should ask Empress Dowager Zhen!"
Zhao Junyao’s expression instantly brightened.
"That’s right! There’s Empress Dowager Zhen!"
"Have you been to her?"
Imperial Censor Zhou shook his head.
"The Imperial Noble Consort is meditating at the monastery, I dare not rashly disturb her."
"Moreover... I’m not entirely sure Empress Dowager Zhen will know, please be discerning, Emperor!"
Zhao Junyao furrowed his brow again.
"What about those palace attendants back then? Investigated all of them?"
Imperial Censor Zhou nodded.
"I investigated all of them!"
"For those released from the palace back then who were related to the matter, almost none came out alive!"
"It seems the Empress Dowager handled this matter extremely secretly!"
Zhao Junyao’s gaze deepened further.
He faintly felt that an astonishing secret was hidden in this.
As long as this secret is unveiled, everything can be brought to light.
By then, he would know exactly what happened between the Empress Dowager and him, causing her to go to such lengths to harm him.
Zhao Junyao frowned in thought for a moment, then made a decision.
"You’ve mentioned this; I am already aware!"
"I will personally go and inquire with Empress Dowager Zhen!"
"You may leave now!"
"Yes!"
Zhou Lin bowed and retreated.
Zhao Junyao immediately called for Li Shengan.
"Get the horses ready, I must leave the palace for a while!"
Li Shengan dared not say much, responded promptly, and called for preparations.
In the afternoon.
Zhao Junyao, dressed in plain clothes, left the palace with Zhou Lin, appearing at the entrance of the Imperial Monastery where Empress Dowager Zhen was practicing within half a Shi Chen.
Due to the confidential nature of the trip, few knew about it.
Hence, the nuns in the monastery merely saw them as two men coming for incense burning, paying little heed.
Zhou Lin led Zhao Junyao to the entrance of Empress Dowager Zhen’s courtyard.
"Emperor, this is the place!"
Zhao Junyao glanced at him, then said softly,
"Wait here!"
Having said so, he walked in alone.
...
The small courtyard was quaint and serene.
Surrounded by tall trees with lush branches and leaves.
The main hall of the courtyard enshrined Buddha, with side rooms on the left and right.
Empress Dowager Zhen lived on the left side, while her two Little Palace Maids lived on the right.
For now, there was not much distinction between ranks, as it looked similar in all directions.
Zhao Junyao quickly reached the main hall, seeing someone kneeling before Buddha, rapidly discerning it was naturally Empress Dowager Zhen.
Zhao Junyao briskly walked up.
Empress Dowager Zhen, hearing the sound, turned her head.
Upon seeing the Emperor, her face filled with amazement.
"It’s..."
"It’s you!"
She stared at his face in shock, frozen, not knowing what to do.
Zhao Junyao felt somewhat awkward.
He walked to the side, coughed lightly, and said calmly.
"I came today to consult the Imperial Noble Consort about something!"
Empress Dowager Zhen’s gaze flickered, her heart skipped a beat.
’You finally came,’ but her face remained composed.