kvmb Chapter 475
Chapter 475
Deep within the Prince's mansion, sunlight filtered through layers of foliage, casting dappled shadows on an exquisite courtyard. In the courtyard, Chrysanthemum sat facing the Oriental Pearl Tower, the atmosphere heavy with tension. Chrysanthemum, her face etched with worry, twisted her handkerchief in her hands. Suddenly, as if struck by a flash of inspiration, her eyes lit up, and she spoke urgently and softly, "Consort, have you heard that Li Yanran has been frequently visiting the mansion's clinic lately, getting all sorts of strange and unusual medicines? I'm wondering if she's really using some kind of evil magic to harm you and the mansion. In my opinion, we should find a few quick-witted and discreet people to sneak into the clinic and investigate. If we can get solid evidence, it will convince His Highness and teach her a lesson for her arrogance!"
Dongfang Mingzhu, who had been frowning, brightened instantly upon hearing this, as if seeing the dawn in the darkness. She found the plan brilliant. She lightly tapped the table, stood up, her skirt swaying gently with the movement, and decisively said, "As you say, this matter is urgent. Go and arrange everything properly, and make sure no word leaks out." With that, Juhua hurriedly withdrew to begin the work.
Meanwhile, in another part of the Prince's mansion, in a luxurious yet cozy room, Li Yanran leaned softly against Jing Chu's chest, her voice so sweet it seemed to drip with water: "Your Highness, as you know, that Oriental Pearl is so unreasonable and domineering, showing no regard for the Prince's reputation whatsoever. She has repeatedly caused me trouble. If this continues, I fear my unborn child will be frightened. What if something goes wrong? This will certainly affect Your Highness's important plans." As she spoke, she began to sob softly, wiping her eyes with a handkerchief, looking utterly pitiful.
Jing Chu gently stroked her back, his movements tender, his voice low and steady: "My beloved consort, do not worry. I know what I'm doing and will handle this matter properly. You only need to focus on your pregnancy and not trouble yourself with these trivial matters." However, neither of them realized that Dongfang Mingzhu had already silently launched his operation. An invisible storm, like a surging tide, was quietly approaching in this seemingly peaceful palace.
Not long after, the people sent to investigate the clinic rushed back, their expressions a mixture of tension and excitement. They carefully pulled out some mysterious herbs and several talismans covered in strange symbols from a hidden compartment in the clinic, presenting them to Dongfang Mingzhu. Upon seeing these items, Dongfang Mingzhu's face lit up with delight. She thought to herself that she had finally caught Li Yanran red-handed; the evidence was irrefutable, and no amount of denial would change her mind.
She eagerly grabbed the evidence and hurried off to find Jing Chu. Jing Chu was in his study handling affairs when he saw Dongfang Mingzhu enter and notice the things in her hands. His expression instantly turned grim, as if shrouded in dark clouds. A flicker of disappointment and anger flashed in his eyes, and he immediately sent for Li Yanran.
Li Yanran arrived quickly. Seeing the evidence on the table, she was startled, but maintained her composure. She gracefully bowed, her voice trembling with tears, and said, "Your Highness, someone must be deliberately framing me! These herbs were for conditioning my body and replenishing my qi and blood; there's nothing wrong with them. As for these talismans, I truly don't know where they came from. It must have been secretly placed there by someone arranged by Dongfang Mingzhu, just to make Your Highness misunderstand me and expel me from the palace! Your Highness, please do justice for me!" As she spoke, tears streamed down her face like broken beads.
Seeing that she was still trying to deny it, Dongfang Mingzhu was so angry that her face turned red. She stomped her foot and shouted, "You bitch, you still dare to lie with your eyes open even now. The evidence is right in front of you, and you still want to deny it?" Jing Chu looked at the two of them and couldn't tell what was true or false for a moment. She was filled with conflicting emotions.
Just then, the old doctor from the clinic, having heard the news, rushed over. He entered the study, panting, first bowing to Jing Chu, then saying, "Your Highness, these herbs are common medicinal materials, often used by people in the clinic for health maintenance; there's nothing evil about them. As for the talismans, I placed them in a secret compartment to ward off evil and ensure safety; they have nothing to do with anyone else." Dongfang Mingzhu was stunned upon hearing this; she never expected things to turn out this way. Li Yanran, meanwhile, secretly revealed a barely perceptible smug smile.
Dongfang Mingzhu looked at the old doctor, her heart filled with suspicion, yet she couldn't immediately produce any new evidence to refute him. Seeing this, Jing Chu helplessly waved his hand and said, "Let's leave it at that for now, Dongfang Mingzhu. You may leave now, and we'll discuss it again later." Although Dongfang Mingzhu was filled with resentment, she could only grit her teeth, bow, and leave helplessly.
Back in her courtyard, Dongfang Mingzhu grew increasingly angry, feeling like a fool who had been completely manipulated. She was convinced that Li Yanran and the old doctor had secretly colluded to put her in this predicament. Juhua, standing beside her, comforted her with concern, saying, "Consort, don't be so anxious. It's not worth ruining your health. Let's think about it carefully. Li Yanran's actions are so insidious; perhaps there are other flaws. We'll definitely find them."
Dongfang Mingzhu took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. Suddenly, as if she had thought of something, a cold glint flashed in her eyes, and she said, "The clinic's secret compartments are always well-hidden. If someone didn't know their secrets, how could they be found so easily? I suspect there's an informant among Li Yanran's people, tipping her off. From today onwards, you will have people secretly investigate everyone around Li Yanran. You must find this mole!"
Meanwhile, in Li Yanran's room, she was laughing smugly with her confidante, her laughter filled with pride at having successfully escaped danger. The confidante said obsequiously, "You're so clever, Master. You easily fooled Dongfang Mingzhu again." Li Yanran's lips curled up, a glint of ruthlessness flashing in her eyes. She said, "Hmph, she thinks she can fight me? She's too green. However, we can't let our guard down; she certainly won't give up so easily."
Dongfang Mingzhu secretly arranged for her men to monitor those around Li Yanran day and night. Within a few days, they had a lead. A young maid caught their attention. This maid appeared ordinary on the surface, but recently her behavior had become highly suspicious, often secretly meeting with the old doctor at the clinic when no one was watching. Upon learning of this, Dongfang Mingzhu remained calm and secretly arranged for her men to apprehend the maid and the old doctor during one of their next meetings.