“What was Xiu Xin’s purpose in getting close to the Empress Dowager?” Gu Lianchang asked, a hint of fear in his voice.
“Xiu Xin? We don’t know if she’s the Crown Princess’s person,” the captured subordinates replied, shaking their heads in confusion.
An old palace maid trembled, saying, “This servant vaguely heard a female official near the Crown Princess mention that she may have someone at the Empress Dowager’s side, but I don’t know if it was Xiu Xin.”
“Raid the Qin family. Detain all male and female relatives in the imperial prison for interrogation. Find Qin Zhi within three days!” Gu Lianchang ordered, sensing that Qin Zhi had more tricks up her sleeve.
He hurried to find Ruan Ning, who was guarding the mourning hall, looking pale and exhausted. Disregarding the surprised looks around him, he quickly walked over and supported her, softly asking, “The Empress Dowager?”
“Commander,” Ruan Ning replied, slightly dazed and exhausted from keeping vigil. She had been kneeling for so long, unable to rest, and could only eat cold food.
“Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager is not feeling well. This subject will escort her back to the palace to rest,” Gu Lianchang said.
Wei Ying added, “Mother’s complexion does not look good. There’s no need to come today. Rest assured and recuperate. I am here.”
Ruan Ning held Gu Lianchang’s hand, feeling weak and puzzled, saying softly, “It’s only been a few hours of kneeling. How can I be this tired?”
As soon as the words left her mouth, her body slid down. Gu Lianchang carried her horizontally, rushing to the Kun Ning Palace.
“Summon the imperial physician! Quickly!”
The physician tried but couldn’t diagnose any illness. Ruan Ning didn’t feel pain, just fatigue, yet Gu Lianchang’s brow furrowed tighter.
“Summon all the famous doctors in the capital to the palace. Ensure the Empress Dowager’s health!” he ordered.
Ruan Ning grabbed his sleeve, “I should just be tired. It’s nothing.”
Gu Lianchang remained alert. Everything seemed strange, and he had to ensure safety.
The next afternoon, the Qin family confessed possible hideouts for Qin Zhi, and the Eastern Factory’s subordinates went to investigate. By nightfall, a wandering doctor suggested that the Empress Dowager might have been poisoned by a curse.
