"Yes, Your Imperial Noble Consort, this servant absolutely dares not conceal even a single bit."
The palace maid recounted all the things Madam Liu had done over the years, down to the exact amount of money she had embezzled.
"Madam Liu, seeing Consort Yi's continuous favor, harbored resentment and plotted to cause Consort Yi, who was pregnant, to miscarry. She even bribed imperial physicians to take measures, rendering Consort Yi permanently infertile. Furthermore, the incident of Prince Jing falling from his horse that year was also orchestrated by Madam Liu, out of fear that Prince Jing's growing prominence would overshadow the Third Prince..."
"And when Prince Jing's legs were crippled, she bribed imperial physicians to tamper with his medicinal soup, all to ensure Prince Jing would never be able to stand again in this life..."
"Enough! Are these things truly what Madam Liu did, or have you deliberately fabricated or exaggerated them to save your own life!"
"This servant dares not. Everything I say is true. These were all arranged by Madam Liu. All the palace maids and eunuchs in this palace can testify. There is not a single false word in what I have said!"
She had long known of Madam Liu's cruelty, but she had never imagined her actions to be so vicious. It was almost unbelievable!
After Consort Yi's miscarriage and the subsequent discovery of her permanent infertility, the immense blow caused Consort Yi to lose all hope. She lived in a daze, consequently losing His Majesty's favor. Now, with no favor at all, her situation was no different from being in the cold palace.
And then there was Prince Jing. How vibrant he had been in those days, only to become crippled after a fall from his horse. It had ruined his life. She had witnessed the dark period Prince Jing endured after that incident. Had it not been for the Empress Dowager's protection, Prince Jing would have long since lost his life.
These were all the deeds of Madam Liu, one after another. Madam Liu's wickedness was truly outrageous. Even now, thinking of it made her fingers tremble with rage. Such a poisonous woman deserved to die a thousand deaths.
"Have her repeat what she just said, and all of you record it."
"Yes, Your Imperial Noble Consort."
The Imperial Noble Consort looked at the document recording Madam Liu's crimes, her face filled with anger. She would first present this accusation to the Empress Dowager for her decision before proceeding with other matters.
"Confine them all. Do not allow them to contact anyone."
As for the palace maids and eunuchs throughout the palace, many had colluded with Madam Liu in her wicked deeds. How many hands were clean among them? Their punishment would depend on His Majesty's decree.
...
"Quickly pack your things, gather all the gold and silver, hurry..."
Liu Menghan, her belly protruding, paced anxiously in the courtyard. The situation was dire, and they needed to quickly gather their wealth and leave the capital.
"Imperial Consort, the carriage is ready. We should depart immediately."
Liu Menghan was about to nod in agreement when she suddenly remembered one last thing. The steps she was about to take halted, and her gaze fell upon the wet nurse beside her. "Where is Feng Ruoyan? Has she been arranged for?"
"Imperial Consort, rest assured. As soon as you leave, this old servant will send Feng Ruoyan on her way."
"Good. I will trouble you, wet nurse. Make sure to witness that lowly woman's demise with your own eyes."
"This old servant understands. Imperial Consort, please do not worry."
With her heart's burden lifted, Feng Ruoyan finally felt at ease. Supported by her maids, she boarded the carriage. How could she let such a good opportunity pass her by to deal with Feng Ruoyan? Only with Feng Ruoyan dead could her resentment be appeased.
It was a pity that Chu Yanxi was so incompetent, falling so quickly. It was a shame that the influence their Liu family had cultivated for so many years was destroyed so soon.
And the Empress was so foolish. She clearly knew the chances of success were slim, yet she insisted on proceeding, only to have everything ruined in the end. Fortunately, she had made arrangements in advance. As long as this carriage successfully left the capital, she could still live a carefree life.
"Imperial Consort, we are approaching the city gate. Once we're out, we'll be safe."
The maid's voice from outside the carriage clearly reached Liu Menghan's ears. Liu Menghan's heart tightened slightly. She reached out and caressed her swollen belly, nearing childbirth. Once they left the capital, she and her child would be completely safe.
"Instruct everyone to be careful. Once we leave the capital, we will have good days ahead."
"Your servant obeys!"
A smug smile played on Liu Menghan's lips. Soon... very soon... she would leave this place.
As the carriage neared the city gate, Liu Menghan's smile deepened. Before her smugness could fully settle, a sharp pain shot through her abdomen.
Liu Menghan instinctively clutched her aching stomach. A warm gush flowed from below, and she instantly understood what was happening. However, the pain in her abdomen intensified, becoming unbearable. She slumped down weakly.
The sounds within the carriage were clear, causing everyone outside to tremble.
"Stop the carriage!"
"Stop the carriage!"
Soldiers on horseback, galloping from behind, shouted loudly.
The man driving the carriage immediately sensed something was amiss and urged the horses forward, speeding away. The violent jolting made the already unbearable pain of Liu Menghan even worse. She tightly gripped the carriage rails, trying to speak, but lacked the strength to utter a word.
"Hurry, charge out!"
The maid shouted loudly. If they didn't seize this chance to leave quickly, it might be impossible later.
Before the guards at the gate could react, the carriage crashed into them. The driver, as if driven mad, urged the horses forward, smashing through everything.
By the time Ling Mohan arrived, the carriage had already escaped the city. Without a moment's delay, he led his men in pursuit.
"Young General, the carriage ahead is ours. Their speed is too great, making it difficult to catch up."
Ling Mohan squinted slightly, took out his bow, aimed at the driver of the carriage, and pulled the string.
The arrow flew true, hitting the driver directly in the chest. The horses immediately became uncontrollable, charging forward wildly.
Ling Mohan nocked another arrow, this time aiming at the horses. With an arrow shot, the horse collapsed to the ground.
The carriage, losing its traction, was flung forward and crashed heavily to the ground, shattering into pieces.
Liu Menghan was thrown a considerable distance and knocked unconscious from the pain.
"Young General, it's the Third Prince's Consort. There's no sign of the Third Prince!"
Lu Shi stepped forward to examine the scene and found only Liu Menghan, with no trace of Chu Yanxi.
"Take her back first, and continue the search!"