[1]The Consort is Both Charming and Scheming, Rising Through Palace Intrigue

The Internal Affairs Department was very efficient. When Ning Shuyan woke up and arrived at the inner hall, the floor was already covered with brand-new carpets—thick, dense, and soft—making no sound underfoot.

"Your Highness," Qiu Le said, "last night I carefully examined the snakes and also had Imperial Physician Liu take a look. There's something strange about them—it's as if they were poisoned with some kind of Gu."

Ning Shuyan had already suspected that there was something odd about the snakes. They hadn't even feared realgar, and normally snakes don't attack humans unprovoked, let alone come in swarms. What a coincidence? This had to be man-made.

She said coldly, "Have you found out where the snakes came from?"

Qiu Le replied, "After a thorough search with Li Zhang, we found a small hole in a corner of the backyard, covered by some plants. It was usually unnoticed."

Ning Shuyan knew that since ancient times, favored concubines had always climbed their way up through countless schemes and conspiracies. But the targeting of her was no longer once or twice. This time, the person behind it wasn't just trying to harm her—they meant to kill her.

Her eyes glinted with cold light. "Do they really think I'm a pushover? Help me over to take a look."

She walked outside to the wall. Because it had rained for two days, the ground was still damp, and dew clung to the surrounding grass and plants.

As she approached, she squatted down and saw footprints on the ground.

Qiu Le looked and said, "They look like a man's footprints. But judging from the pattern, they don't belong to a eunuch."

In the palace, eunuchs and maids had regulated attire and footwear. These prints had complex patterns—several coin-sized circles and deep treads—clearly very slip-resistant.

Just then, Zi Ying came over and said, "Your Highness, His Majesty has arrived."

Ning Shuyan quickly instructed Zi Ying to bring Xiao Yu over as well.

Xiao Yu had come intending to discuss the matter anyway. Upon seeing the footprints, he ordered Yang An, "Search! Search every palace and every garden. We must find this person!"

His face was grim, and his voice carried an invisible pressure.

Since the Empress was involved in the investigation, she naturally had to be notified as well.

In the main hall, the stacks of ice were slowly melting, their intricate carvings blurring and fading away—like drops of crystal tears gently falling, filling the air with a refreshing coolness.

Qiu Le brought a bowl of medicine. "Your Highness, it's time to take your medicine."

Ning Shuyan wrinkled her brow at the pungent medicinal smell. "I already told you I'm fine. Why did you make more medicine?"

Qiu Le coaxed her gently, "The snakes were highly venomous. This medicine helps to clear heat and detoxify. Even if Your Highness is fine, drinking it won't hurt."

Ning Shuyan knew detoxifying medicine was terribly bitter and immediately pulled a face.

"Bring it here," Xiao Yu ordered.

Qiu Le quickly handed it to him.

He took the steaming bowl and said gently, "Here, I'll feed you."

Ning Shuyan lowered her gaze to the dark medicine. When a man starts treating you well, even spoiling you over small things, it usually means he's really invested.