After the Imperial Physician examined her, Prince Jing inquired, "How is the Princess Consort?"
"Replying to Your Highness, she has been poisoned, but fortunately, it was discovered early. Otherwise, I’m afraid the Princess Consort would have already passed away by now," the Imperial Physician answered truthfully.
There had already been rumors outside that the entire Liu family had been imprisoned, and life for the Princess Consort and the Princely Heir in the Royal Residence was tough; there were even rumors that the Princess Consort was to be deposed.
However, seeing the anxious look on Prince Jing’s face now, it seemed the situation was not as such.
At this moment, Prince Jing had no inclination to care about what others thought, but instead asked, "Is there an antidote?"
"There is, but after this incident, the Princess Consort must take good care of her health. Otherwise, I’m afraid she may die prematurely," the Imperial Physician replied.
Prince Jing’s fist, hidden under his sleeve, had already clenched tightly, and the words he spoke were through gritted teeth, "Administer the antidote first."
After speaking, Prince Jing walked out of the room and entered his study, "Summon someone."
"Your Highness," the guard outside responded immediately.
"Investigate what the Princess Consort ate today. And who has been near the Buddha Hall..."
The entire Royal Residence was under Prince Jing’s control, and countless Hidden Guards lurked in the shadows. If he decided to investigate, he wouldn’t let even a fly escape.
Before dawn broke, there was already a result.
Ever since the Princess Consort had been punished and sent to the Buddha Hall, the rear court had always been managed by Consort Bai. Although no one had approached the Buddha Hall today, the Princess Consort’s meals had all been delivered from the main kitchen.
As per Prince Jing’s orders, it was always plain bread and wild vegetable soup every day; thus, the Princess Consort’s meals were undoubtedly the most noticeable.
Knowing that Prince Jing was punishing her, or perhaps she also wished to punish herself, the Princess Consort had never left any of her meager meals uneaten, despite their taste being so unpleasant that swallowing was a challenge.
During the period when the food was being prepared in the kitchen, only a maid of Consort Bai had visited once. No one else had come near the Princess Consort’s food.
Therefore, Consort Bai became the target of everyone’s accusations, and her maid was seized without Consort Bai even being aware of it.
After some interrogation, all the evidence pointed to Consort Bai.
Though the Princess Consort had made a mistake, as long as her status was not revoked, she remained the mistress of Prince Jing’s household, and it was not for others to act against her.
So, when Consort Bai was arrested, she was utterly bewildered and didn’t even know why she was caught until she saw Prince Jing. Only then did she realize that their Prince Jing, who had always seemed carefree in their eyes, could have such a fierce side.
In the dungeon of Prince Jing’s residence, her maid was now tied to Zhuzi, with the floor beneath her feet soaked in blood.
"Your Highness... Your Highness, what on earth is going on? Don’t scare me, I am so frightened..." The maid’s cries for mercy and sobs could not stir any softness in Prince Jing’s heart.
"What’s the matter? Have your own maid tell you!" Prince Jing sat aside, his expression cold as he picked up a cup of tea and sipped it, as if the bloody scene before him was a beautiful sight to behold.
Upon hearing Consort Bai’s voice, the maid forced her eyes open, "Consort Bai, it was all your doing. You made me poison the Princess Consort. You must save me..."
Consort Bai was immediately stunned, but even in her confusion, she knew the maid was slandering her. She had not committed the poisoning; she could not admit to it, "You wretched servant, stop your nonsense. When did I ever tell you to poison the Princess Consort?"