The Reborn Princess Has Turned Evil

Chapter 354 Reap What You Sow

Jing Anle coughed lightly, "Why haven't I seen this distinguished guest before?"

Consort Chen gave a forced smile. "Noble Lady Chen, the princess is asking you a question. Why aren't you answering?" She was eager for Jing Anle to put down Noble Lady Chen's arrogance, lest she take advantage of the Empress Dowager's favor and try to ride roughshod over her as soon as she entered the palace.

The Empress Dowager glanced at Consort Chen before saying, "She's newly arrived in the palace, no wonder she looks unfamiliar to you."

Consort Chen smiled and respectfully walked up to Princess Anle, then bowed again, saying, "I am Consort Chen Hanjuan, newly appointed by His Majesty. I pay my respects to Princess Anle."

Looking at Consort Chen, who was only a few years older than herself, Jing Anle knew in her heart that this person was definitely not as innocent and harmless as she seemed, and she had to deal with her as soon as possible.

"Get up. You are indeed young and beautiful. Since your surname is Chen... you even look somewhat like Consort Chen." Jing Anle said casually, but out of the corner of her eye, she caught Consort Chen's disdainful gaze.

"Thank you for your praise, Princess." Consort Chen lowered her head shyly.

The Empress Dowager seemed quite satisfied with Consort Chen. Although she merely waved her hand, she allowed her to sit in a position very close to her and continued, "Consort Chen is my grandniece. Since we are of the same bloodline, it is not surprising that we are somewhat similar. The important thing is to serve His Majesty comfortably."

The Empress Dowager made no attempt to hide it, and Jing Anle inwardly scoffed. She had such a dream; she wanted Prince Qing to ascend the throne while also having her own family firmly control Emperor Jing. Unfortunately for her, she wouldn't let her succeed.

As soon as Consort Chen sat down, she naturally noticed the dark Chinese medicine on the table.

"Is Your Majesty unwell?" Consort Chen asked with concern, her brow furrowed with worry.

The Empress Dowager remained silent, but Consort Chen looked unwell and ignored Consort Chen's words. She then moved closer to the Empress Dowager and said, "Your Majesty is not feeling well, please take your medicine first."

She disliked this young girl who, relying on her youth, tried to ingratiate herself with the Empress Dowager.

Consort Chen was not annoyed at all. She stood up and walked directly to the Empress Dowager, her voice soft and gentle, "Your Majesty, please don't neglect your health. If you feel unwell, just tell me. I wish I could take your pain for you."

It was just ordinary concern, but when she said it, it sounded very sincere.

"If even the imperial physicians can't help, Consort Chen shouldn't add to your troubles," Consort Chen said indifferently.

The Empress Dowager's expression changed slightly, but she ignored Consort Chen and instead said to Noble Lady Chen, "You really know how to make me happy. Just for your words, I have to drink this bitter medicine today."

After saying that, Consort Chen quickly picked up the black Chinese medicine and handed it to the Empress Dowager, saying, "This concubine will feed it to you."

The Empress Dowager took a sip, her brows furrowing slightly. Jing Anle felt disgusted, but her face remained unchanged. This poison was colorless and odorless; what was this old hag doing with all this pretense?

Upon seeing this, Consort Chen quickly stepped forward, picked up a box of candied fruit, and personally served the Empress Dowager her medicine.

And so, a spoonful of herbal medicine and a piece of candied fruit.

Jing Anle watched her finish drinking, and his expression relaxed slightly.

Perhaps it was the sedative effect of the traditional Chinese medicine, but after the Empress Dowager finished drinking it, she waved her hand and said, "I'm a little tired, you may all go back."

Consort Chen wanted to stay and serve, but the Empress Dowager stopped her, saying, "You should go back too. Consort Chen can serve you here."

Consort Chen pouted, but could only return to the palace in dissatisfaction.

Looking at the three of them, Jing Anle couldn't help but find Consort Chen's idiocy truly laughable.

She was the Empress Dowager's niece, and Consort Chen was her grandniece. If she wasn't mistaken, they were even distant grandnieces.

Given the Empress Dowager's temperament and status, her closeness to such a grandniece suggests she may have ulterior motives. Consort Chen's jealousy and rivalry with her shows she's truly clueless.

"Let's go back to the palace," Jing Anle said, not wanting to stay any longer.

No sooner had they stepped out of the Empress Dowager's palace than a woman wearing a red cloak and a colorful crown appeared before them. Despite her magnificent attire, she looked unwell. The woman was none other than Princess Laili, whom they hadn't seen for many days.

"Greetings, Princess." She bowed respectfully, her former arrogance and liveliness gone.

Indeed, after the tragic death of her maid and now that her mother is seriously ill, she can no longer afford to be arrogant.

Lai Li knew that Emperor Jing wanted them to return to the Southern Frontier, but the Empress Dowager had stopped him. She also knew that Yongping did not want to return to the Southern Frontier. When it came to Yongping, she had always been the obedient daughter.

But now that Yongping has fallen into the water and taken so much medicine, her health is getting worse and worse. She began to have doubts, but she dared not say so, so she could only go to the Empress Dowager.

Jing Anle probably knew her intentions, but she didn't want to pay attention. She hadn't settled accounts with Laili for what happened at the hunting grounds, and she didn't have time to care about the life or death of someone who had harmed her.

"Princess Anle." Just as Jing Anle was about to step onto the sedan chair, she was stopped by Lai Li again.

"Is there anything else, Princess?" Jing Anle asked indifferently.

"I was impetuous in the past. If I have offended the princess in any way, please forgive me." After saying this, Riley bowed again.

Jing Anle glanced at Laili, whose face was young and whose eyes were charming, much like Princess Yongping when she was arrogant. She said nothing, but ordered the sedan chair to be moved. The sedan chair slowly disappeared at the gate of the Empress Dowager's palace.

Watching the group's departing figures, Riley's eyes darkened, a strange light flashing in them.

Yongfu Palace.

Before Jing Anle could even drink the Pu'er tea that Afang had just brewed, a palace servant rushed over to report.

"The Empress Dowager suddenly fainted."

Mu Ping and Jing Anle exchanged a glance, both understanding each other's intentions. Jing Anle slowly took her first sip of tea, feeling an indescribable sense of comfort.

When the Empress Dowager fainted, it was Jing Anle who handed a knife to Emperor Jing. Emperor Jing wouldn't care who poisoned her; as long as Consort Chen was the one who ultimately handled it, it wouldn't be long before the newly arrived "murderer" disappeared without a trace.

"only……"

"Is Riley in the Empress Dowager's palace?"

The palace maid who answered hurriedly said, "It was Princess Laili who discovered that the Empress Dowager was unconscious."

Jing Anle hadn't expected the poison to take effect so quickly; she thought she'd have to hold on until evening. Leaning back against the gold-threaded cushions, a smile played on her lips. "That'll be quite a spectacle..."