Chapter 33

After Luo Qinghan left the Qingge Hall, he immediately summoned Zhao Xian.

Based on Xiao Xixi's clue, they found a well about a hundred feet southwest of the hall.

Inside the well was a female corpse, which, from the attire, was clearly the missing palace maid Tanhua.

The well was located in a very remote area, long abandoned, and no one usually came to this place. Moreover, the well opening was covered by a heavy stone slab, so it was impossible to see inside without moving the slab.

If it weren't for Xiao Xixi's help in divining, they might never have thought to look for Tanhua here.

The body, soaked in well water, was swollen and unrecognizable.

The Yulin Guards thoroughly examined the body from head to toe and found a silk handkerchief on her. The name "Tanhua" was embroidered in the lower right corner, confirming that this was indeed Tanhua.

In addition to the handkerchief, they also found a round jade pendant around the corpse's neck.

Zhao Xian wrapped the jade pendant in a silk handkerchief and presented it to the Crown Prince.

"Your Highness, this jade pendant seems to be from the palace."

Luo Qinghan glanced at the jade pendant: "Go to the Shao Fu to check which palace this jade pendant belongs to."

"Understood."

The Shao Fu was responsible for managing the royal finances and the supply of items to the various palaces. Any item from the palace would have a record in the Shao Fu.

Zhao Xian took the jade pendant to the Shao Fu, dug the Shao Fu supervisor out of bed, and forced him to reveal the origin of the jade pendant.

The Shao Fu supervisor wiped the sleep from his eyes, carefully examined the jade pendant under the lamp, and after a long time, said:

"This seems to be from the Changle Palace."

Zhao Xian narrowed his eyes: "Are you sure?"

The Shao Fu supervisor hurriedly replied: "This is indeed from the Changle Palace, but last year it was given to Consort Ning by Empress Dowager."

After saying this, he specifically retrieved the relevant records and pointed to one of the entries:

"Look, it clearly states that Empress Dowager gave a pair of red jade bracelets, a string of carnelian beads, a pair of pearl earrings, and a round jade pendant to Consort Ning."

Zhao Xian snatched the records and returned to the Eastern Palace, reporting the matter to the Crown Prince.

Luo Qinghan's face showed no change in expression, and he said calmly: "That's enough for now. You've worked hard all night, go get some rest."

"These are my duties, I dare not say I'm tired. I will take my leave, and I hope Your Highness will also rest early."

After Zhao Xian left, Luo Qinghan stared at the round jade pendant for a while before finally going to sleep.

The next morning, as soon as it was light, Luo Qinghan went to the Jiaofang Hall.

Empress Qin had already risen earlier than him.

At that moment, she had already finished her breakfast and was taking a walk in the garden.

Luo Qinghan bowed and greeted her: "Your Majesty, I wish you good health."

Empress Qin asked: "I heard that you were running around the palace with the Yulin Army last night. Did you find anything?"

"Your Majesty is wise. I have found the person who poisoned, a palace maid named Tanhua. Last night, the Yulin Guards found Tanhua's body in a well. Upon examination, it was discovered that she was knocked unconscious and thrown into the well to drown. The Yulin Guards found a round jade pendant on her."

Luo Qinghan opened the silk handkerchief, revealing the round jade pendant inside.

Empress Qin only glanced at it and did not try to touch it.

She asked calmly: "Whose is this?"

"It belongs to Consort Ning."

Empress Qin raised an eyebrow: "It's actually Consort Ning."

Consort Ning is the birth mother of the Fourth Prince, Luo Xinran.

It was said that when Consort Ning first entered the palace, she was very favored due to her graceful dance.

Soon, she became pregnant and could no longer serve the emperor, causing his attention to shift to other women. Later, many new concubines entered the palace, and Consort Ning's favor gradually faded.

However, even without the emperor's favor, she still had the Fourth Prince, making her far superior to the ordinary palace concubines.