“Yes, Your Imperial Consort, your servant would never dare to conceal even the slightest detail.”
The palace maid recounted everything she knew about Madam Liu’s actions over the years, even detailing how much money Madam Liu had embezzled.
“Madam Liu harbored hatred towards Consort Yi due to her constant favor with His Majesty, and she plotted to cause Consort Yi to miscarry her pregnancy. She even bribed imperial physicians to take action, ensuring Consort Yi would be permanently infertile. Furthermore, the incident where Prince Jing fell from his horse back then was also orchestrated by Madam Liu, out of fear that Prince Jing’s rising prominence would overshadow the Third Prince…”
“What’s more, after Prince Jing’s legs were crippled, she bribed imperial physicians to tamper with his medicine, all to ensure Prince Jing would never be able to stand again in his life…”
“Enough! Were these things truly done by Madam Liu, or did you fabricate or exaggerate them to save your own life!”
“Your servant would not dare. Every word your servant speaks is the truth. These were all arranged by Madam Liu, and the palace maids and eunuchs throughout the palace can attest to it. There is absolutely no falsehood in what your servant has said!”
She had always known Madam Liu was cruel, but she never expected her actions to be so utterly vicious. It was almost unbelievable!
After suffering a miscarriage, Consort Yi learned she was infertile for life. Such a devastating blow caused Consort Yi to lose all hope, and she spent her days in a daze, consequently losing the Emperor’s favor. Now, with no favor at all, she was no different from being confined to the cold palace.
And then there was Prince Jing. How spirited he had been in his youth, only to be crippled after falling from his horse, which had utterly ruined his life. She had witnessed firsthand how Prince Jing had endured those dark times. If not for the Empress Dowager’s protection, Prince Jing would have lost his life long ago.
These were all Madam Liu’s doing. Madam Liu’s wicked deeds were truly heinous. Even now, thinking about it made her fingers tremble with anger. Such a venomous woman deserved no better than death.
“Make her repeat what she just said, and all of you, record it.”
“Yes, Your Imperial Consort.”
The Imperial Consort looked at the papers recording Madam Liu’s crimes, her face filled with indignation. This indictment would first be presented to the Empress Dowager for her decision before any other matters were addressed.
“Have them all placed under guard and forbidden from contacting anyone.”
As for the palace maids and eunuchs, they had also participated in Madam Liu’s evil deeds over the years. How many of them were truly innocent? These matters were inseparable from them. As for how they should be dealt with, that would depend on His Majesty’s decision.
…
“Hurry and pack! Gather all the gold, silver, and valuables quickly…”
Madam Liu Meng Han, her belly swollen, paced anxiously in the courtyard. The situation was dire; they had to quickly pack their gold, silver, and valuables and leave the capital as soon as possible.
“My Prince Consort, the carriage is ready. Let us depart immediately.”
As Liu Meng Han was about to nod in agreement, she suddenly remembered one last thing she had yet to do. Her advancing foot stopped abruptly, and her gaze fell upon the old woman beside her. “Where is Feng Ruoyan? Have arrangements been made for her?”
“Your Prince Consort, please rest assured. As soon as you leave, this old servant will send Feng Ruoyan on her way.”
“Good. I appreciate your trouble, Granny. You must personally witness that wretched woman’s departure.”
“This old servant understands. Your Prince Consort, please be at ease.”
With her lingering concern resolved, Feng Ruoyan finally felt completely at ease. Assisted by her maids, she got into the carriage. She would never let such a good opportunity pass her by to deal with Feng Ruoyan. Only when Feng Ruoyan died would her resentment be alleviated.
It was a pity that Chu Yan Xi was so incompetent, defeated so quickly. It was also a pity that the influence her Liu family had cultivated for so many years was destroyed so swiftly.
It was also the Empress’s foolishness. Knowing full well that the chances of success were slim, she had insisted on proceeding, only to have everything ruined in the end. Fortunately, she had made arrangements in advance. As long as this carriage successfully left the capital, she could still live a carefree life.
“My Prince Consort, the city gate is just ahead. Once we are outside, we will be safe.”
The maid’s voice from outside the carriage reached Liu Meng Han’s ears clearly. Liu Meng Han’s heart tightened slightly. She reached out and caressed her swollen belly, which was close to giving birth. Once they left the capital, she and her child would be completely safe.
“Give the order for everyone to be careful. Once we leave the capital, we will have good days ahead of us.”
“Your servant obeys!”
A smug smile played on Liu Meng Han’s lips. Soon… very soon… she would be able to leave this place.
As the carriage neared the city gate, Liu Meng Han’s smile deepened. Before her complacency could fully settle, a sharp pain suddenly struck her abdomen.
Liu Meng Han instinctively clutched her aching stomach. A warm flow gushed from between her legs, and she instantly understood what had happened. However, the pain in her abdomen intensified, making it impossible to bear. She collapsed weakly.
The commotion inside the carriage was clearly audible, causing everyone outside to tremble.
“Stop the carriage!”
“Stop the carriage!”
The soldiers, galloping on horseback behind them, shouted loudly.
The man driving the carriage instantly realized something was amiss and urged the horses forward, speeding towards the exit. The violent jolting made Liu Meng Han, who was already enduring unbearable pain, even more uncomfortable. She clutched the carriage railing tightly, wanting to speak, but lacking the strength to utter a sound.
“Hurry, charge through!”
The maid cried out loudly. If they didn’t seize this opportunity to leave quickly, it might become impossible.
Before the guards at the gate could react, the carriage had already rammed through them. The coachman drove the carriage forward like a madman, charging recklessly ahead.
By the time Ling Mo Han arrived, the carriage had already escaped the city. Without a moment’s delay, he quickly led his men in pursuit.
“Young General, that’s the carriage ahead. Its speed is too fast, making it difficult to catch up.”
Ling Mo Han narrowed his eyes slightly, drew his bow, aimed at the coachman driving the carriage, pulled the bowstring taut, and released the arrow.
The arrow flew true, striking the coachman directly in the heart. Instantly, the horse seemed to lose control and ran wildly.
Ling Mo Han nocked another arrow, this time aiming for the horse. With a shot, the horse fell to the ground.
The carriage, having lost its pulling force, flew forward, crashed heavily onto the ground, and shattered into pieces.
Liu Meng Han was thrown far out, her body colliding with the wreckage, and she fainted from the pain.
“Young General, it’s the Third Prince’s Consort. There’s no sign of the Third Prince!”
Lu Shi stepped forward to examine the scene and only found Liu Meng Han. Chu Yan Xi was nowhere to be seen.
“Take her back first, and continue the investigation!”