RWNEFE -Chapter 394 Evidence Points to Madam Cao!

Among the old bedding and clothing, a large bundle of gold and silver was found.

“The witness says this bundle of gold and silver was given by the palace maid serving the Crown Princess,” Wang Bao said, coldly turning to Madam Cao.

“Crown Princess, where are your palace maids?”

Madam Cao froze, hurriedly stammering an explanation: “They… they’re all waiting outside the hall.”

Wang Bao: “Bring them in.”

In total, three maids were brought in. Wealthy families always favored pairs, avoiding single appearances for propriety.

“Isn’t one maid missing?”

Madam Cao shouted: “Xiao Xi?”

The three maids knelt on the ground, terrified.

“Xiao Xi said she had a stomach ache and went to the restroom a while ago.”

Wang Bao’s gaze sharpened: “Go find her immediately!”

The guards reported back: “By the lotus pond, there were no other footprints, but we found some scratch marks. It seems she fell into the water and tried to grab something to save herself, but couldn’t find anything to hold onto.”

Shen Lanxi nodded. On the surface, the truth seemed already revealed.

Zhou Rulin’s face was as dark as iron, while Madam Cao grew increasingly anxious.

Shen Yuantang’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. A scapegoat who died without witnesses—perfect. The crime could naturally be pinned on Madam Cao.

She thought it was well deserved. Of course, Consort Shu wasn’t innocent either.

The child in her womb was probably lost. At her age, why pursue another child? She could devote herself fully to the Prince instead. Hopefully, Consort Shu would linger in her illness, so she wouldn’t constantly summon her to the palace to enforce rules.

The guards returned quickly, bringing more bad news.

“When we found that palace maid, she had already poisoned herself.”

“Also, we found musk, saffron, and a letter on her person.”

The guards presented the items.

Shen Lanxi remained calm. Wang Bao opened the letter, read it, and immediately folded it into his sleeve.

“Lord Shen, continue your investigation. I have other matters to attend to.”

Shen Lanxi: “Please go ahead.”

Wang Bao departed swiftly with two junior eunuchs.

Madam Cao’s eyes were wild with panic as she struggled to rise.

“I am innocent! I never sent anyone to poison Consort Shu!”

“Crown Prince, you must believe me!”

“Shen Lanxi, we had a past misunderstanding. I apologize now. You must investigate fairly and restore my innocence.”

“Third Prince, I did not harm Consort Shu. Why would I harm her? I am not even a concubine in the palace!”

Zhou Rulin’s face darkened: “How dare you speak such nonsense.”

With so many royal relatives present, did Madam Cao intend to get him killed?

The plan was too sloppy. Zhou Ruyuan wasn’t a fool—how could he not see through it?

But Madam Cao’s words earlier had genuinely upset him. She spoke as if his mother deliberately used her pregnancy to harm her? He would never show mercy to someone who slandered his mother.

Shen Lanxi knew the outcome of this situation from the start—it would inevitably lead to the same result.

She casually devised a few more questions to verify the facts until Wang Bao returned with the imperial decree: “Those not involved may leave the palace. Peace has been maintained today, and nothing further has occurred!”

The royal relatives hurriedly departed, fearing any delay might implicate them.

Wang Bao: “Lord Shen, you may leave as well. His Majesty orders: Lord Shen, you’ve worked hard. Once the matter is resolved, there will be rewards.”

Shen Lanxi: “I thank His Majesty for his gracious favor.”

The remaining people went with Wang Bao to pay their respects to the Emperor.

The next day, informants reported that when Madam Cao left the palace, her carriage jolted, breaking both her legs. The Renxiao Emperor, being merciful, allowed Madam Cao to recuperate at the imperial villa outside the city.

In the Hall of Mental Cultivation:

Renxiao Emperor: “Your mother’s memorial birthday is coming soon, and your promotions are imminent. Madam Cao must not encounter any incidents now. Once your mother’s memorial birthday passes, let Madam Cao fall ill and die naturally.”

This time, Zhou Rulin did not plead for Madam Cao, accepting his father’s arrangements with a heavy heart.

Zhou Ruyuan lingered in Chaoyun Hall for more than an hour. When he left the palace, his mind was dazed. Walking absentmindedly, he somehow arrived at the Grand Ding Gong mansion.

Gazing at the magnificent estate, rivaling even a prince’s residence, his expression darkened, his emotions unsettled. Only when the metallic taste filled his mouth did he finally leave in gloom.

…

“Sir, the Tenth Princess and Shen Yuanxin are at the gate.”

Shen Lanxi was on her day off, rare moments free from official duties, practicing martial arts in the courtyard.

“Let them in.”

“Yes!”

Since Shen Lanxi moved here, this was Shen Yuanxin’s second visit. Last time, he came with his brothers to deliver gifts.

“Elder Sister,” they greeted.

Shen Lanxi was drying her hands. Once finished, she led them to sit in the pavilion.

“Whenever sons or daughters got married, I would always deliver separate betrothal gifts and dowries.”

“Now the family considers me a divorced woman and unlucky. I dare not bring gifts that might cause misfortune, lest it be blamed for future disputes,” Shen Lanxi borrowed the words of Shen Congwen.

Shen Yuanxin’s face flickered with embarrassment: “Elder Sister, Father can be a bit too rigid sometimes. Please don’t take it to heart.”

Zhou Yunrui smiled, advising: “We’re family. No need to fuss. Yuanxin and I don’t care about your status as a divorced woman. What matters is that you’re well.”

Shen Lanxi: “The Princess is generous. I must not treat you differently.”

“Bring out what I gave to Yuanxin!”

The servants quickly obeyed.

Zhou Yunrui’s eyes showed surprise for a moment before hiding it.

Shen Yuanxin awkwardly said: “Elder Sister, the Princess and I aren’t here to ask for gifts.”

Shen Lanxi: “I know why you came. You don’t need to explain. Father was merely speaking his mind that day. Those words had probably been held in his heart for a long time, only spoken during your wedding.”

Shen Yuanxin was conflicted. On one hand, he felt embarrassed by Shen Lanxi’s status as a divorced woman. On the other, he resented his father for making a scene at his wedding, turning it into the city’s laughingstock.

“Elder Sister, parents and children have no lasting grievances. Sometimes elders speak harshly, but it’s for our own good. Once we grow older, we will understand.”

Shen Lanxi smiled: “Yuanxin is lucky to have married the Princess. Though it was by accident, it is still a good match.”

Zhou Yunrui secretly disdained Shen Yuanxin—he had no official position, no title, no family wealth. Only his looks were decent.

If not for the recent events, she would have married a son of a high-ranking prince or minister, and Yuanxin wouldn’t have touched the hem of her dress.

With such a princess as patron, the Shen family, and naturally Shen Lanxi, would lavish her with respect.

Shen Yuanxin’s eyes glinted. On his grandmother’s birthday banquet, no one in the household paid attention to him and his illegitimate status. He had chosen a quiet corner, and unexpectedly, found a rare opportunity.

Marrying the princess changed everything. In the future, even his father or elder sister would dare not treat him lightly.