Chapter 698: 448: You Dare to Lay a Hand on the Emperor's Woman?

Chapter 698: Chapter 448: You Dare to Lay a Hand on the Emperor’s Woman?

By the time Chen Yuan realized that the cause of Consort Shu’s death couldn’t be openly discussed, he had already begun to think about other matters. Since he couldn’t talk about it,

he might as well do his best to achieve his own goals.

As for reporting back, he felt that as long as he hinted clearly enough, Jingtai would naturally understand. After all, there was no specific punishment outlined—it would be nothing more than a reprimand for ineffective handling of the matter at worst.

Compared to the repercussions of exposing the affair, this was the better option…

He didn’t wish to stand out, preferring to pay the price himself rather than bring Sima Ke down. He was not yet qualified to force Chen Yuan to share mutual destruction.

Moreover, with significant events approaching, he didn’t wish to stir up such complications either.

“Commander Chen, what business do you have with the Noble Consort?”

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone’s eyes converged on him.

Wasn’t he investigating Consort Shu’s death?

How did it suddenly involve the Noble Consort?

“Consort Shu’s place of death is not far from Chunhua Palace. Perhaps the Noble Consort might reveal some information,” Chen Yuan said indifferently.

“This…”

The old eunuch seemed hesitant, but with Chen Yuan pressing him with the issue, he couldn’t rebut and could only nod in agreement.

Meanwhile, Chen Yuan led his men directly toward Chunhua Palace. The two palace maids who had previously been released were detained again, and it could be foreseen that their fate would probably not be good.

It was likely that Jingtai would not make such a scandal public, and they would be the public scapegoats.

That was not for Chen Yuan to decide. His priority was to protect himself; he couldn’t possibly risk seeking the truth, as this did not align with his character.

After some formal procedures, Chen Yuan once again faced Noble Consort Yang.

She was still the epitome of grace and dignity, her gaze calmly fixed on Chen Yuan as though she had forgotten the previous animosity, and she said in a firm voice:

“Commander Chen, foregoing the inquiry into Consort Shu’s death, what brings you to my Chunhua Palace?”

She didn’t bother with pleasantries, getting straight to the point.

Indeed, there was no need for niceties.

Previously, Chen Yuan had shown her disrespect, repeatedly challenging her.

He even personally crippled her brother and had him sent to the frontier, never to return to the Capital—all because of him. And because of him, her son was reprimanded by the Emperor.

Punished to copy scriptures, cultivating peace within the palace.

With all this, how could she indulge in small talk?

Chen Yuan didn’t see anything wrong with getting straight to the point either. He was not adept at playing word games, nor did he like them. He spoke up directly:

“My visit is to investigate Consort Shu’s cause of death.”

“What a joke. My Chunhua Palace is not Consort Shu’s hall. How could it be related to Consort Shu’s death?” Noble Consort Yang scoffed coldly, her face expressing displeasure as she continued:

“If Commander Chen wishes to frame someone out of past grievances, he has found the wrong target.”

Unmoved, Chen Yuan glanced around the interior of Chunhua Palace and said lightly:

“Really?”

“Of course, it’s true.”

“I advise the Consort to dismiss everyone. We wouldn’t want any words to slip out and cause trouble.”

“Ha, what words could there be?”

Seeing that the other party still wouldn’t act without certainty, Chen Yuan calmly began:

“It’s about the Fourth Prince.”

Upon hearing this, Noble Consort Yang’s gaze flashed imperceptibly with discomfort and fixed intently on Chen Yuan, while he maintained a smiling demeanor as he watched her.

After a standoff, it was Noble Consort Yang who first averted her gaze, took a deep breath, and commanded the two palace maids beside her:

“Stand guard outside the door. I have some important matters to discuss with Commander Chen.”

“Yes.”

“Yes.”

Although, by custom, concubines were not permitted to be alone with a minister, under the present circumstances, the two maids dared not object.

They quickly bowed and exited.

They didn’t dare to go far, silently guarding outside the palace. Anything amiss and they would be able to hear immediately, but to be on the safe side, Chen Yuan still gestured to shield the interior of Chunhua Palace.

“What do you wish to speak about?” Noble Consort Yang asked blandly.

Compared to before, her cultivation of tranquility seemed to have indeed improved greatly—whether that was her true nature, or because she knew Chen Yuan wouldn’t give her much face and naturally became much more amenable, was unclear.

“As I just mentioned, it’s regarding the Fourth Prince and Consort Shu’s death,” he responded.

“Chen Yuan, don’t fool yourself. Do you dare to fabricate such a heinous accusation?” Noble Consort Yang stared at Chen Yuan.

“Fabricate?” Chen Yuan shook his head, chuckling:

“I am a loyal subject of Great Jin, how could I dare commit the crime of framing a prince?”

“So what are you saying then?”

“Everything depends on the evidence. What I’m saying is substantiated. To be frank, all the suspicions currently point to the Fourth Prince, who accidentally killed Consort Shu.”

“Chen Yuan, do you truly believe I won’t deal with you?”

“Is the Noble Consort really going to do that? If so, then please proceed. It would also be a good opportunity to let the folks of the Harem know exactly what sort of scandal the Fourth Prince has been involved in.”

“You…”

Noble Consort Yang glared at Chen Yuan.

But he, taking unhurried steps, approached Noble Consort Yang and said lightly:

“Consort Shu died last night, pushed into the pond below, and someone discreetly obscured the senses of the two palace maids below,

until they noticed something amiss at the hour of the pig. But by then, the perpetrator had long since left the scene. No… not necessarily. The perpetrator might have been in nearby Chunhua Palace, watching the commotion unfold.”