Reborn as the Crippled King's Beloved-Chapter 524 Wang Yingluo is Going Crazy Tonight

Eunuch Li whispered a few words into Wang Yingluo’s ear.

Soon, Wang Yingluo’s eyes brightened.

Their voices were too soft, and Fu Rong, standing just outside the door, only heard the words "Imperial Kitchen."

"They plan to add some ’ingredients’ to the dishes of my palace."

Having heard this, Murong Jiu deduced Eunuch Li’s plan.

Eunuch Li and Wang Yingluo both believed she was having an affair with Miao Wuxie and had always been thinking about catching them in the act; to ensure a foolproof plan, the best method was to add some ’ingredients’ to her food.

If she indeed had an illicit affair with Miao Wuxie, their method would indeed be foolproof.

A hint of coldness flashed in Murong Jiu’s eyes.

Hong Yi’s face was filled with anger as she gritted her teeth and said, "Your Majesty, you even specifically gave Eunuch Li a chance, yet to think he would side with Wang Yingluo and suggest such a wicked plan!"

"A thought of paradise, a thought of hell."

Murong Jiu said, "He became frightened, chose not to back down, and thought of quickly helping Wang Yingluo get rid of me. Since that is the case, he no longer deserves sympathy."

Madam Lin’s eldest son is very likely not sired by Eunuch Li; originally, Murong Jiu also considered Eunuch Li had been deceived by Madam Lin, coupled with the fact he is a rootless eunuch with an obsession about offspring, and felt his situation was understandable.

Now, however, one could see Eunuch Li’s true nature was not all that virtuous.

A truly virtuous person would not think of drugging someone.

"Your Majesty, what do you plan to do?"

Do you "detect" something is wrong with the food, or use their plan against them?

It was already afternoon by this time, if Wang Yingluo was going to act, it would be by adding something to the dinner.

Such acts were also suited for being done at night; under the bright light of day, it’s not easy to muddy the waters.

Your Majesty will be back tonight.

"No hurry, let’s wait for His Majesty’s return before we discuss further."

Last night, Jun Yuyan mentioned he would come back early today to spend time with the children, as he’s been leaving early and returning late these days, even missing seeing the children.

Soon, a Hidden Guard came to report that Eunuch Li had his godson bribe one of the eunuchs in the Imperial Kitchen, giving him a packet of drug powder.

The drug powder must have been brought into the palace by Wang Yingluo.

When Wang Yingluo left the palace, there were Hidden Guards and Fu Rong watching her; it likely wasn’t bought at that time, so she must have made it herself back in the village, or she had already prepared everything before she planned to rescue Jun Yuyan.

Fu Rong mentioned she has a personal cloth pouch that she even keeps with her during baths and never leaves behind; it might contain those items.

It remains unknown what level Wang Yingluo’s drug powder is; if it’s colorless and odorless, it indeed shows she came well-prepared.

When it was time for dinner, palace maids and eunuchs slowly entered and quietly arranged the food.

Among them, a little eunuch was noticeably nervous; even without anyone pointing it out, Murong Jiu could tell there was something wrong with him. She just pretended not to notice for the moment.

As soon as the eunuch and palace maid left, Hong Yi immediately came forward to test the food with a Silver Needle.

Murong Jiu smiled and said, "The Silver Needle is only effective against very toxic poisons; it’s quite unlikely to detect something merely to muddle emotions. Let me check it."

Her master said her greatest gift was her keen nose, and by paying close attention, unless lacking vigilance, few could scheme against her.

Indeed, that was the case. Initially, when she was drugged, it was because she was too naive and trusted the Second Prince too much, completely unaware of any issues.

However, it was that very instance that brought her into fate with Jun Yuyan.

"Colorless and tasteless poisons are rare in this world; those who can craft them can be counted on one hand. Wang Yingluo’s village in Xiaoxi is extremely remote; even after leaving the mountains, it would be difficult to encounter a real expert. Thus, her drug powder cannot possibly achieve being truly colorless and tasteless."

As she spoke, her voice had just faded when she pointed at several dishes and said,

"This one, this one, and this bowl of soup, all have medicine in them."

Hong Yi leaned closer and sniffed carefully, "How come I can’t smell the medicine?"

"It’s a very faint smell; let Kai Xuan come, he might be able to smell it. Normal people can’t detect it."

Hong Yi then didn’t bother further, moving these items to the side, but still furrowed her brows:

"Your Majesty, let’s not eat the remaining dishes either. We have a small kitchen in the palace, I can make something else for you."

"No need, cooking will produce smoke, and ingredients also need to be taken from the Imperial Kitchen. Wang Yingluo is having people watch this place, which would alarm them, letting her know I’ve detected the poisoning and make her suspect people around her. Moreover, the remaining dishes are fine; you can eat them without worry."

As she spoke, Murong Jiu scrutinized and sniffed carefully, picking out a plate of green vegetables with light fingerprint markings, carrying a bit of powdered medicine.

It seemed that the little eunuch had been too panicked while drugging the food, unable to clean his hands thoroughly, hence the residue.

After picking it out, there were still seven exquisite dishes left, and the rice was in a separate container, clean, and steaming when opened.

Murong Jiu, not very hungry to begin with, casually ate a bit, then let Hong Yi pick a few chopsticks-full from the drugged dishes, making them look like someone had eaten from them.

She had just finished when Jun Yuyan returned.

Perhaps terribly hungry, he took the bowl Murong Jiu had used and served himself some rice, a sight Hong Yi was used to.

Jun Yuyan picked up the chopsticks she had used: "Your Majesty, which dishes should I not eat?"

Murong Jiu smiled, "I thought you were fearless when it came to eating."

"Of course I dare to eat, it’s not like it’s poison, but I’m worried about your body..."

"Cough!"

Murong Jiu glared at him, preventing him from continuing.

Hong Yi covered her lips, laughing, and quickly left.

Jun Yuyan then pulled Murong Jiu into his arms, "I am strong and healthy, I don’t need these things, as you know, Your Majesty."

"Still talking, shameless."

Jun Yuyan enjoyed watching her blush and glare at him, finding a peculiar pleasure in it.

Holding her, the two of them stickily and messily finished their dinner.

Even though Murong Jiu was full, Jun Yuyan still fed her more.

"My stomach is almost bursting."

"Eat more, my empress is too thin."

As he said this, his eyes were full of pity.

Because he knew very well why the Empress was thin.

Murong Jiu rested her head on his shoulder, speaking gently, "Your Majesty, you need not feel guilty, because you give me enough security, I won’t be hurt and have nothing to worry about, the weight will come back slowly. As husband and wife are one, as long as you are well, I will be too."

Jun Yuyan hugged her tightly, the fatigue of the day swept away by her words.

Calling Hong Yi back in to have someone remove the meal, Jun Yuyan pointed at the problematic bowl of bamboo shoot soup, "Keep this soup, have the rest taken away."

Hearing this, Murong Jiu knew what Jun Yuyan was planning, and she smiled,

"Wang Yingluo is going to be frantic tonight."