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The Imperial Doctor furrowed his brows, a flash of confusion crossing his eyes.

"Reporting to Eunuch Li, Lady Shen does not display any apparent smallpox symptoms, but her pulse is somewhat peculiar."

"In what way peculiar?"

"It differs slightly from a normal pulse."

On hearing the Imperial Doctor’s words, Chun Xi couldn’t help but worry, "Imperial Doctor, what’s wrong with my young mistress?"

The Imperial Doctor, unable to provide a clear explanation, simply said, "Lady Shen’s pulse is largely normal, and shows no signs of smallpox."

"My young mistress has always been well; how could she possibly contract smallpox?" Chun Xi winked at Shen Chuwei, relieved that they had gotten past this hurdle.

The Imperial Doctor approached Eunuch Li and repeated the results of his examination.

"Eunuch Li, we can confirm that Lady Shen is not seriously ill."

Eunuch Li nodded, "If that’s the case, go back and report."

After speaking, he swished his whisk and left.

The two Imperial Doctors also departed.

Chun Xi came out to see Eunuch Li off, "Eunuch Li, please take care."

After Eunuch Li left, he took all the guards of Xiyun Pavilion with him.?

The little rabbit was released by the guards, and he hurriedly ran inside. Seeing Chun Xi at the entrance, he asked urgently, "Is the young mistress alright?"

Chun Xi’s eyes brimmed with a smile, "It’s alright now, don’t worry."

The little rabbit breathed a sigh of relief, "That’s good, I was so worried when I saw Eunuch Li bring so many guards, I didn’t even have time to notify Your Highness."

Eunuch Li returned to the Imperial Study Room with the Imperial Doctor.

At that time, the atmosphere in the Imperial Study Room was tense.

Xiao Jinyan, who had been attentive to the movement at the door, caught a glimpse of Eunuch Li returning and unconsciously clenched his hand hanging by his side more tightly.

The Empress, seeing Eunuch Li return, also grew nervous. If Shen Chuwei’s diagnosis confirmed smallpox, it would mean that Concubine Yu’s accusation was successful, the Crown Prince would be punished, and Concubine Yu would have had a complete victory.

Even the Emperor might side with Concubine Yu.

Eunuch Li stepped forward and reported, "Your Majesty, after the Imperial Doctors’ diagnosis, Lady Shen has not contracted smallpox."

Xiao Jinyan silently heaved a sigh of relief, with no smallpox diagnosis, there was no cause for concern.

Upon hearing this, the Empress also let out a sigh of relief. She smiled at the Emperor, "Your Majesty, did you hear? Obviously, someone is trying to frame the Crown Prince. How could he possibly make such a muddleheaded decision?"

The Emperor nodded, "The Empress is right. Now that the matter has been investigated, we indeed wrongly accused the Crown Prince."

With Shen Chuwei clear of smallpox, Xiao Jinyan felt even more confident.

He gestured respectfully, "Father has not made any mistakes; Father was merely considering the safety of the Imperial Palace and wanted to control the situation urgently.

The fault lies with those who used baseless accusations to frame your son. "

The Empress nodded in agreement, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is correct. There are people who are fond of making groundless accusations, turning white into black. Your Majesty should seriously address this, otherwise, who knows what trouble they might stir up next."

After a moment of contemplation, the Emperor spoke gravely, "Eunuch Li, summon Concubine Yu here."

"As you wish," Eunuch Li obeyed and headed for Yinyue Palace.

At this time, Concubine Yu was leisurely drinking tea, her eyebrows and eyes curving with a smug smile.

Concubine Yu was around the same age as the Empress, her beautiful face well-maintained, appearing much younger than her peers.

Xiao Jinxuan couldn’t help but ask, "Mother, will the Emperor really strip Xiao Jinyan of his title as Crown Prince this time?"

Concubine Yu sipped her tea, "Xuan’er, you underestimate the Emperor too much. He despises being deceived, especially by the Crown Prince. The Emperor has high expectations for the Crown Prince and does not tolerate mistakes. Right now, the Emperor might already be seeking accountability."

"That’s good. As long as Xiao Jinyan is removed from his position as Crown Prince, then it can only belong to me," Xiao Yunxuan said excitedly, having waited too long for this moment.

Her personal maid, Mei Yue, came in hurriedly and reported, "Your Highness, Eunuch Li has arrived."

With a confident smile at the corner of her mouth, Concubine Yu said, "See, here comes Eunuch Li, perhaps bringing some reward."

Eunuch Li walked in quickly, and upon seeing Xiao Yunxuan present, he first greeted him, "Prince Xuan."

Turning to Concubine Yu on the throne, he said, "Concubine Yu, the Emperor has summoned you."

Concubine Yu, unconcerned, put down her teacup and rose slowly, "Let’s go, Eunuch Li."

Concubine Yu left Yinyue Palace, swaying her slender waist as she climbed onto the sedan chair, and went to the Imperial Study Room.

Entering the Imperial Study Room, Concubine Yu, seeing the Crown Prince and Empress already there, sensed an unusual atmosphere. She merely thought the Emperor was furious over the matter and didn’t consider anything else.

She greeted the Emperor with a smile and a curtsy, "This concubine pays her respects to Your Majesty."

The Emperor asked sternly, "Concubine Yu, how did you come to know that Lady Shen contracted smallpox?"

"Your Majesty, I heard yesterday while strolling in the Imperial Garden that Lady Shen had not gone out or met any guests since returning from visiting her family.

Also, the horse carriage she returned in was damaged.

I found it suspicious, so I sent someone to inquire and heard astonishing news.

I did not dare delay in reporting it to Your Majesty," Concubine Yu explained.

The Empress, with her patience wearing thin, looked at Concubine Yu and coldly laughed, "Sister is truly sharp-witted with eyes and ears everywhere.

While I have heard nothing, perhaps sister can tell us who revealed this shocking news to you and what exactly was said that convinced you to inform His Majesty that the Crown Prince was attempting to deceive him? "

Concubine Yu, hearing the certainty in the Empress’ words, couldn’t help but feel a bit guilty, "Your Majesty, that was not my intention."

The Emperor, increasingly irritated, said coldly, "The Imperial Doctor has already examined Lady Shen’s pulse, and she has not contracted smallpox."

Concubine Yu was stunned for a moment. How could that be?

Her information clearly stated that Lady Shen had contracted smallpox.

Could it be that Lady Shen had deliberately spread the false news of having smallpox?

With a display of grievance, Concubine Yu said, "Your Majesty, I do not understand what has gone wrong."

Upon hearing Concubine Yu internally mention Lady Shen, Xiao Jinyan wondered if this matter involved Lady Shen.

The Empress really wanted to give her a few slaps—how dare she frame the Crown Prince and still feign innocence!

"Sister can really joke. If you don’t know, who does? Didn’t you speak those words?"

Concubine Yu claimed innocence, "Sister Empress misunderstands me. I was merely worried about the Crown Prince’s safety. Smallpox is no laughing matter."

With his patience wearing thin from listening, the Emperor chided, "Enough, Concubine Yu, return and reflect on your deception!"

Concubine Yu cast a pitiful look at the Emperor, "Your Majesty, truly, I am not at fault."

Concubine Yu was led out by Eunuch Li.

The Empress felt somewhat unsatisfied; that was letting Yu Wangba off too lightly!

The matter was thus concluded.

Xiao Jinyan did not linger any longer; after glancing at the Empress, he exited the Imperial Study Room and went towards Xiyun Pavilion.

Today, Shen Chuwei was not lying on the bed, having been confined to her room these past few days over suspicions of smallpox. Now, with the weather clear and sunny, she was feeding the chickens with vegetable leaves and taking the opportunity to bask in the sun.

"Eat more so you can grow quickly and start laying eggs," she coaxed.

When Xiao Jinyan arrived, what greeted him was this scene. He had thought that after what had just transpired, she would be panic-stricken, but there she was, leisurely feeding the little creatures.