When the late emperor learned of this incident, he flew into a rage. He originally intended to directly punish Concubine Xiao, but the Xiao family was reluctant to abandon their daughter so easily.
Therefore, they made a deal with the late emperor. As long as Concubine Xiao could be spared, the Xiao family was willing to withdraw from the court from then on.
The late emperor was a very suspicious man. Naturally, he was willing to let a threatening force withdraw from the court.
Just like this, Concubine Xiao was spared, but from then on, her situation was no different from being confined to the cold palace. Later, she voluntarily came to Baotuo Temple and never left again.
After hearing the whole story, Shi Muyuan was in a daze for a long time. She couldn't connect the woman described by Concubine Shen with the one she had seen today. For a moment, she began to suspect, "Could there be some misunderstanding?"
Concubine Shen sighed, "I witnessed this incident myself. Although the late emperor tried to suppress it, as long as one wanted to inquire, almost all the old people in the harem knew about it."
Shi Muyuan frowned all the time and absent - mindedly saw Concubine Shen off.
Xiao Xiao beside her was very worried when she saw her like this. "Don't worry, Empress Dowager. We've learned the true nature of Concubine Xiao in time. We just need to stay away from her in the future. Anyway, we won't stay here for long."
In response to the little girl's words of comfort, Shi Muyuan said, "All of you go out first. I want to have a good rest. We've all been tired for a whole day."
"Yes."
After the maid closed the door, she lay on the sickbed, her mind still wandering.
Suddenly, there was an unusual sound by the window. She looked vigilant and shouted, "Who's there!"
Immediately afterwards, a tall figure flashed in from outside, just like last night.
Glancing at the man slowly approaching her, Shi Muyuan rolled her eyes. "Does the National Teacher often do such sneaky things? I see you seem to be quite used to it."
Hearing her words, Cui Qizhou remained calm and casually sat on the stool. "I'm concerned about the Empress Dowager's progress, so I came here in person to see and also confirm if the Empress Dowager really wants to cooperate with me."
Sure enough, he still didn't trust her. Even after placing someone by her side, it was the same.
But right now, his arrival was just in time. She was just worried about where to ask about Concubine Xiao.
"By the way, I have something to ask you. Besides what you've found out before, do you know anything else about Concubine Xiao?"
Cui Qizhou was a bit surprised. Did she discover something today?
Gradually, the man's expression became more and more serious. "Is there something wrong with Concubine Xiao?"
Shi Muyuan told him what Concubine Shen had told her today, but the man didn't catch the key point.
"I heard about this before. I thought it was just a rumor. I didn't expect it to be true."
Seeing that he didn't understand the key point, Shi Muyuan couldn't help getting a little anxious. "Don't you find anything wrong?"
"What's wrong?"
"When I went to see Concubine Xiao today, she didn't seem like the person described in the rumor at all. Moreover, would a habitual murderer who kills without batting an eyelid believe in Buddhism?"
This statement was unbelievable no matter who it was about. She thought of her idea of asking Concubine Xiao to go back with her at that time. Now she only felt lucky that Concubine Xiao didn't agree.
Otherwise, there might be a stir in the palace after returning.
Cui Qizhou was silent for a long time, as if weighing the pros and cons of this matter.
"Wait for me to send someone to check the authenticity of this matter. If Concubine Xiao really did those things back then, then our plan this time can't go on."
Shi Muyuan let out a sigh of relief. Fortunately, this man wasn't completely crazy. If Concubine Xiao really had any problems, as a small city official, she definitely couldn't outwit the women in the deep palace.
She saw the man standing by the window and whistling. The next moment, a black shadow flashed by. Even without asking, Shi Muyuan knew that the black shadow was the person who had been secretly monitoring her.
After Cui Qizhou had arranged everything, he started waiting for the news in the room.
Shi Muyuan watched him dozing off on the stool. She had to admit that this man's face was truly exquisitely carved.
Today, he seemed to be dressed casually for convenience. He was wearing a long ink - colored robe, and his hair was all tied up with a ribbon. At this moment, with his eyes closed, the usual sharpness on him was gone, and there was an inexplicable urge to get close to him.
When she realized she had such thoughts, she immediately turned her head to the side.
"Shi Muyuan, are you stupid? He can crush you with just one finger, yet you still dare to secretly covet his good looks."
She didn't hesitate to slap herself, then lay on the bed and waited for the news.
After confirming that the person on the bed was no longer paying attention to him, Cui Qizhou suddenly opened his eyes. He had heard all the woman's words just now.
Although they were in a cooperative relationship now, and his attitude towards this woman had improved a lot, it didn't mean he would accept all of her absurd actions, including the "coveting" she had just mentioned. It was simply over - reaching.
The man snorted and closed his eyes. Forget it. He'd spare this woman for now. After all, she was still useful to him.
After about half an hour, a figure climbed in. "My lord, it's been investigated clearly."
Hearing this, Cui Qizhou directly took the letter. After reading it, a dangerous glint flashed in his eyes.
"How could you not find out such an important matter earlier? If I hadn't discovered it, would you only speak up after a great disaster had occurred?"
The black shadow lowered his head in shame. "I'm incompetent in handling the matter. Please punish me, my lord."
Cui Qizhou waved his hand impatiently. "I don't want this to happen again. Go and receive your punishment."
"Yes."
Watching the black shadow disappear completely into the night, Cui Qizhou decided to discuss it with that woman.
He walked to the bedside and looked down at the person on the bed. He wondered why this woman could sleep so soundly. It was only half an hour, yet she was sleeping like a log. However, her sleeping appearance was really quite indecent.
Shi Muyuan didn't know that someone was peeping at her sleeping face. Her lips were slightly parted, and there was a crystal thread hanging from the corner of her mouth. Her hair brushed against her cheek. At this moment, Cui Qizhou inexplicably felt his face redden.
He turned his head awkwardly and coughed twice. The person on the bed stirred in response and subconsciously sat up.
"Is it done? Is it done?"
Hearing this, the man directly threw the letter he had just received at her. "Vulgar woman."
She didn't know when he had come to the bedside. Although Shi Muyuan was dissatisfied with his scolding, her attention was quickly attracted by the letter, and she forgot to vent her anger.