In less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.
Chu Heyao arrived at Weiyang Palace. Dressed in a dark red python - embroidered robe, he was imposing, handsome and elegant.
"I pay my respects to the Queen Mother and the Noble Consort."
Just by standing there, he exuded an air of righteousness and courage, seemingly more imposing than Chu Heye, who appeared gentle and refined on the surface.
Those who had just suspected him immediately changed their minds. "I knew it. The Second Prince is so talented that he would never do such despicable things!"
"The Second Prince is handsome and charming. Usually, it's the women who pursue him. How could he ever force a woman?"
"That's right! He Mengchang was wrong this time!"
Some gossips deliberately mentioned He Mengchang's name, obviously trying to ingratiate themselves with the Queen and Chu Heyao.
Chu Heyao had heard everything from the palace servants on his way here. He gave He Mengchang a meaningful look. "I never thought that in your eyes, Mengchang, I'm such a despicable person!"
They had grown up together and knew each other's characters well.
Although Chu Heyao knew that in the future, their pursuits would differ, he never expected that He Mengchang and the others would kick him when he was unjustly framed.
"I was just blinded for a moment. I actually believed this low - born servant's words!"
He Mengchang was extremely embarrassed. He forced a laugh and apologized. "The Second Prince's moral character is excellent. He would never do such a thing!"
As he spoke, he stepped back, seemingly extremely ashamed.
Chu Heyao didn't want to say more. He gave a cold snort. If A Zhao were here, he would never be like these shallow people. He would surely trust him completely!
From this day on, he knew that he should cut off relations with ordinary acquaintances when it was necessary!
Amid the jeers and taunts of the crowd, He Mengchang retreated into the crowd, with his head down and silent.
It was not until no one was paying attention that he secretly shook his head at Chu Heye. They had made a wrong move!
"I knew that the Second Imperial Brother would never be such a person!"
Chu Heye stepped forward, clasping his hands in an arch. "Congratulations to the Second Imperial Brother for being cleared of the false accusation!"
Chu Heyao just smiled faintly. "Thank you, Third Imperial Brother!"
He was just more straightforward and unrestrained on weekdays, but he wasn't stupid. He knew very well who He Mengchang usually followed!
He used to affectionately call him "Lao San", but today he coldly called him "Third Imperial Brother" according to the rules!
Chu Heye knew it well, but he didn't show the slightest sign of being alienated on his face. He still stood behind Chu Heyao as usual.
Since Chu Heyao's arrival, Consort An had remained silent.
The Queen glanced at her indifferently. "Sister Consort, you've seen Yao'er with your own eyes. If I severely punish this low - born servant, will you still stop me?"
Consort An glared angrily at Lan'er. "This deceitful servant. I was actually deceived by you today! Qiuju, tear her mouth apart!"
"Forgive me, Your Majesty the Queen! Forgive me, Your Majesty the Consort! I really didn't..."
Lan'er knelt on the ground, begging for mercy, but she couldn't say the words "tell a lie". She hadn't actually seen the Second Prince drag Song Yiran in.
It was all just An Xingzhi's speculation. Based on the conversation between Wang Fuhai and the little eunuch, she had inferred that the mastermind behind it was the Queen and the Second Prince!
She had also secretly swapped the unconscious Ning Yuwang and Song Yiran!
If it wasn't the Second Prince in the main hall, then who was the man sharing the bed with Song Yiran?
Lan'er's eyes darted around, and her mind was in a mess. She had clearly heard Song Yiran's giggles and moans with the man in the hall. She knew that Song Yiran had lost her virginity!
But the Queen had already blocked her words. She would never allow anyone to search Weiyang Palace!
The plan to frame Chu Heyao had failed, and the Queen was determined to have her beaten to death with a cane!
Qiaohui even rolled up her sleeves and was about to drag Lan'er to be punished personally!
In a moment of desperation, she shouted in panic, "I... I also saw the Princess of the Duke of De having an affair with Eunuch Wang in the side hall!"
"Presumptuous!"
With a cold shout from the Queen, Qiaohui grabbed Lan'er's face and slapped her left and right. In just a moment, her cheeks were swollen like a pig's head!
"How many people do you want to slander today!"
There was a cold, snake - like glint in the Queen's eyes, which seemed to crawl all over Lan'er's body. She couldn't help but shiver!
"Please trust me one more time, Your Majesty the Queen. I... I'm not lying!"
Lan'er struggled to speak, but all she got was Qiaohui's merciless slaps!
If she hadn't mentioned Ning Yuwang, she might have had a slim chance of survival. But since she had brought up Ning Yuwang, there was no chance for her at all!
The Queen had personally arranged the meeting between the Emperor and Ning Yuwang. In her heart, she believed that it was only the Emperor and Ning Yuwang in the main hall, and no one else!
Lan'er's attempt to involve Chu Heyao and Song Yiran before was not enough to make her tremble. After all, it was all baseless!
But when she mentioned Ning Yuwang, the Queen felt that Lan'er was deliberately threatening her. She must have known some secrets!
The Queen would never tolerate her!
"Quickly cover her mouth and drag her away!"
She had always looked confident, but now there was a hint of emotion on her face.
Although it flashed by quickly, Consort An, who had been frustrated, immediately took the opportunity. "There's no smoke without fire. Since this low - born servant is so confident, why don't we just check the side hall as she wishes!"
She smiled seductively with pursed lips. "If she lies again, she should be executed by slow slicing. If she's telling the truth, it's also a good way to end today's baseless frame - up. We don't want the Second Prince to just be cleared of the false accusation while the reputation of the Princess of the Duke of De is damaged!"
Yan Zhao called the Queen aunt. If his princess was found to have an affair in the harem.
If the Emperor conducted a thorough investigation, the Queen might not be able to get away from it!
The Queen hesitated. She only knew that the Emperor and Ning Yuwang were in the main hall, but she was also worried that the Emperor might have done something new and secretly gone to the side hall.
She lowered her eyes, undecided. Consort An took the initiative again. "Since Your Majesty the Queen has no objection, let's all go to the side hall together."
Consort An, who had been rejected by the Queen once, clearly wouldn't let her reject again!
Qiaohui was still standing outside the main hall. With her sharp ears, she heard the laughter of a man and a woman inside. Naturally, she recognized the Emperor's voice. She nodded quietly at the Queen with a calm expression.
Only then did the Queen sigh and say, "Since Sister Consort is so curious, I won't stop you anymore!"
Her helpless expression seemed to outsiders like a tolerant elder sister indulging a naive younger sister!
Consort An understood this in her heart, but for the sake of finding out the truth, she endured it forcefully!
On the other side!
Although the interaction between the Queen and Qiaohui was subtle, Chu Heyao noticed it with his sharp eyes.
There was a hint of suspicion and shock in his heart. He didn't understand why the Queen was so determined to keep people out of the main hall of Weiyang Palace?
The palace servants had told him on his way here that the Queen had said there were generous gifts from the maternal grandfather of the Wen family in the main hall.
But as far as he knew, the gifts from the Wen family's maternal grandfather had already been stored in the Queen's private treasury!
So when he left, he hinted to his personal guard to secretly keep an eye on all the movements in the main hall!
What secret was hidden in the main hall!
Chu Heye was equally curious. He had been secretly staring in the direction of the main hall.
He and Chu Heyao had always been on bad terms in private, but at this moment, their thoughts were the same!