015 had a huge tantrum

Li Xianyun said, "Mother Consort, the evidence is all there for the authorities to see. Please allow an investigation, and clear my son's name."

Guli's face changed upon hearing this.

The evidence implicated her and the Ninth Prince in embezzling public funds. How could she possibly conduct the investigation?

Who would be foolish enough to shoot themselves in the foot?

With a cold voice, Guli ordered, "Summon the guards and haul away this insolent slave who spouts nothing but lies, and feed her to the dogs!"

Aman tried to beg for mercy, but a Palace Attendant stuffed her mouth, silencing her. She could only make muffled "mmph mmph" sounds as she was dragged away.

Li Xianyun had seen such incidents in Houtang before; these Palace Attendants were quite skilled in making sure no one could speak if that was their intent.

Guli, with a benevolent smile on her lips, said to Li Xianyun, "Princess Consort, you've protected the dignity of this Palace today. I'm deeply moved. Rong Ge, fetch the Hetian jade jewelry gifted by the Western Regions."

Rong Ge hurriedly responded, "Grand Imperial Consort, that's your favorite jewelry set; you rarely ever wear it yourself."

Guli replied, displeased, "If I tell you to fetch it, you fetch it."

So, Rong Ge had no choice but to retrieve a very exquisite jewelry box from the inner chamber and reluctantly brought it to Li Xianyun, opening it.

Youlan and Zhuo Ma caught only a glimpse, and both held their breath.

The jewelry box contained a set of Hetian jade jewelry including bracelets, rings, necklaces, and a hairpin. The jade was green and translucent, bright and charming.

Li Xianyun bowed in gratitude, "Thank you for your generous love, Mother Consort."

Upon hearing this, Youlan closed the jewelry box and took it, pleased to see the frustrated look on Rong Ge's face.

Leaning lazily against the armchair, Guli declared, "I am tired. You all may leave."

Youlan began, "The accounts..."

Li Xianyun shot Youlan a look, silencing her, then formally bowed to Guli, "Your son takes his leave."

Once outside the Palace Gate, Zhuo Ma, still somewhat in disbelief, said, "Princess Consort, the Grand Imperial Consort gave you such valuable jewelry. Why?"

"Guilty conscience," answered Li Xianyun.

Youlan inquired, "Master, how did you know the Chief of the Ministry of Internal Affairs was corrupt and taking bribes?"

Li Xianyun smiled, "Positions like the one held in the Ministry of Internal Affairs are too lucrative. Not many can withstand an audit. That Aman, with her sharp tongue and duplicitous nature, was clearly not dedicated to her duties."

"So that's why you had us check her accounts," chuckled Youlan. "But how did you know where the real ledger was hidden?"

Li Xianyun replied with a smile, "Well-established households always have secret compartments at home, and they are even more common within the palace. Aman's desk was bulky, with small drawers – a clear sign of hidden compartments."

Zhuo Ma asked, "But how did you find such a concealed switch for the secret compartment?"

"When you're familiar with dealing with such furnishings, you naturally discover how they work," said Li Xianyun with a smile.

Zhuo Ma said earnestly, "I see."

She regarded Li Xianyun with increased admiration.

After Li Xianyun left, Guli's anger flared, and she swept all the teacups and utensils from the table to the floor, her chest heaving with rage.

Rong Ge quickly instructed the maids to clean up the shattered teacups, saying, "Calm down, Master."

Guli said venomously, "That wretch, I really misjudged her, raising a wolf in sheep's clothing! She must have the gall of a bear and the chutzpah of a leopard, daring to cross me and Qiqi."

Rong Ge asked, "Master, what do we do with Aman?"

"Do exactly as I ordered – feed her to the dogs."

"Yes," Rong Ge replied.

As Rong Ge was about to leave, Guli called out, "Wait."

Rong Ge immediately stopped.

"Find someone reliable and, before she dies, make certain that no one else knows what's in the account book."

"Yes," said Rong Ge.

Guli had someone bring a brazier and threw the two ledgers into it; flames quickly devoured them.

When Rong Ge entered, she saw only ashes and white smoke rising.

Approaching her master, she reported, "Master, I've taken care of it as ordered."

Guli, gazing at the brazier, said, "That woman is truly a thorn in my side; as long as she's around, I can't be at peace. Now, with her holding leverage over me, I can't do anything to her."

Rong Ge reassured her, "Grand Imperial Consort, don't worry. Today, when I visited the Khan's sleeping quarters, I found out that the Princess Consort and Khan have separate chambers. Their relationship isn't as good as it appears."

Guli looked at Rong Ge in astonishment.

Rong Ge nodded, confirming, "It's absolutely true."

Guli mused, "Without the Khan's intervention, this will be easier to handle."

Li Xianyun returned to the Khan Palace. The maids had completed the mosquito screens as she had instructed, and the plot of land to the west had been turned over once again.

Indeed, the Palace Attendants of Khan Palace were adept at their tasks.

Li Xianyun sent everyone to rest, then went to the kitchen to make a cold porridge to help everyone cool down.

During this time, Youlan took the opportunity while Zhuo Ma was away and said, "Master, it's such a pity that we didn't bring back the account book. Otherwise, we could have used it to threaten the Grand Imperial Consort."

Li Xianyun replied, "I've memorized roughly what was in the account book. When I have time, I'll write it down."

She had an excellent memory, but the contents of the account book were too extensive to remember everything in a short time.

Therefore, Li Xianyun made a selection, remembering only the larger amounts and names of the people who handled them. These were already enough to exert pressure on the Grand Imperial Consort.

Youlan looked at her master with delighted surprise.

Li Xianyun smiled and said, "Stop staring, and help me wash and peel the grapes."

"Yes!" laughed Youlan.