348 Truth (Second Update)

Meanwhile, Concubine Zhuang managed to gain an audience with Empress Dowager Zhuang of the Renshou Palace.

Excitedly, she said, "Aunt, you did it, didn't you? I knew it! I knew you had the ability to fool the Emperor! This move is called 'surprise and conquer'! Empress Jing thought she could bother you by moving back to the palace, but she didn't expect you to be one step ahead and reconcile with the Emperor just by taking some action! Why didn't you do this sooner, Aunt?"

Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at her expressionlessly.

Concubine Zhuang shrank her neck, feeling a chill in her heart, and mumbled, "What's wrong? Did I say something wrong? The palace is buzzing with the news that Zhang Xiu was the one who poisoned Xiao Hen. How did you think of framing Zhang Xiu, Aunt? Zhang Xiu is the Emperor's man, and you can't command her. You've washed off the suspicion cleanly!"

"Are you finished?" Empress Dowager Zhuang said indifferently. "I need to read the memorials."