Chapter 513: The Disturbance Within the Inner Harem
Chapter 513: Chapter 513: The Disturbance Within the Inner Harem
Li Feng, Yue Lan, and Lan Suyao left the quiet courtyard and headed toward the inner harem.
The palace paths were quieter than usual after the tense morning court session, with many officials and servants still shaken by the sudden fall of Prime Minister Mu.
And as they walked along a shaded corridor lined with blooming flowers, a familiar round figure came rushing toward them from the opposite direction.
It was the chubby Eunuch Peng.
He was breathing heavily, his face flushed red as he wiped the sweat from his forehead with a silk handkerchief.
Despite looking exhausted but a bright, professional smile immediately appeared on his face the moment he saw Li Feng.
"Oh! Envoy Li! And the two esteemed envoys as well!"
Eunuch Peng stopped in front of them, bowing deeply while still panting slightly.
Li Feng smiled and cupped his fists in return.
"Eunuch Peng, you seem quite busy today."
Eunuch Peng let out a long, dramatic sigh as he straightened up, fanning himself with the handkerchief.
"Busy? This servant is practically dying from exhaustion!"
He complained with a bitter yet comical expression.
"Ever since the unrest in the palace, so many people have quit or been transferred out of fear. Now this poor servant has to run around from one palace to another delivering messages, checking inventories, and making sure everything is still running smoothly."
He wiped his forehead again, shaking his head.
"From the Eastern Palace to the Western Palace, then to even the Imperial Prison... my poor legs are about to give out! If this continues, this old Peng might lose all this weight I worked so hard to gain!"
Li Feng couldn’t help but chuckle at the chubby eunuch’s dramatic complaints.
Yue Lan and Lan Suyao also showed a curious look at this chubby eunuch that Li Feng seemed to know.
Eunuch Peng noticed their expressions and waved his hand with a helpless smile.
"Ah, but enough of this old servant’s grumbling. May I ask where the three envoys are heading? If it’s convenient, this servant can lead the way."
He even seemed a bit eager to guide this generous Envoy again in case he got more bribes.
But Li Feng shook his head gently.
"No need to trouble yourself, Eunuch Peng. We’re heading to visit Concubine Zi and we already know the way."
Eunuch Peng’s eyes lit up with understanding and a hint of disappointment.
"Ah, Concubine Zi... I see. Then please be careful. The inner harem is still a bit tense these days."
He bowed once more before continuing on his way, muttering under his breath about his aching feet.
Li Feng watched the chubby figure hurry off and shook his head with a faint smile.
Yue Lan tilted her head slightly, her golden eyes showing a trace of curiosity.
"He seems quite familiar with you."
Li Feng chuckled softly.
"I met him a few times when I first entered the inner harem. He’s a good person to know if you need information or small favors around here."
Lan Suyao simply hummed, her expression calm but carrying a hint of amusement.
"Well, these eunuchs spend their whole lives inside the palace, so they are a great source of information."
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The three of them continued walking along the quiet palace path toward Concubine Zi’s residence.
The inner harem felt noticeably more tense than before.
Many palace maids and eunuchs moved quickly with lowered heads, and the usual light chatter was almost nonexistent.
Soon, they arrived at the quiet courtyard where Concubine Zi resided.
However, the moment they stepped inside, Li Feng couldn’t help but frown.
The usual peaceful and elegant atmosphere of the courtyard felt noticeably gloomy.
Several palace maids and servants moved about with lowered heads, their expressions tense and fearful.
Some even had red eyes, as if they had been crying recently.
The air was heavy with unease.
Li Feng’s brows furrowed deeply.
He reached out and gently pulled one of the passing young maids by the sleeve, stopping her.
The maid was startled and almost dropped the tray she was carrying.
"E-Envoy Li...!" she exclaimed softly, quickly lowering her head in respect.
Li Feng asked in a calm but serious tone.
"What is going on here? Why does everyone look so frightened?"
The young maid hesitated for a moment, biting her lip before answering in a trembling voice.
"Envoy... it’s because of the rumors..."
She lowered her voice even further.
"After what happened in court this morning... many people are saying that Her Majesty is going to start a large-scale purge. Some say that anyone even slightly related to Prime Minister Mu will be investigated and punished..."
Her eyes turned red again as she continued.
"Many sisters who used to serve in the Prime Minister’s faction have already been taken away... Some of the older maids here were even once recommended by people connected to him. Everyone is scared that they might be next..."
Yue Lan and Lan Suyao exchanged a glance behind him.
Lan Suyao spoke softly.
"It seems the Empress’s move this morning has shaken the entire inner palace."
Li Feng nodded, his gaze turning toward the main building where Concubine Zi usually stayed.
Just then, he noticed the maid’s hesitation and asked.
"What’s wrong? Is there something else?"
The young maid hesitated for a moment before lowering her voice even further, almost whispering.
"Not only because of Prime Minister Mu... but also because... Concubine Zi, our mistress... her health seems to be getting worse."
Li Feng’s expression changed instantly.
"Worse? What do you mean?"
The maid looked around nervously before answering.
"We’re not sure either, but Concubine Zi has been getting weaker day by day. She often feels dizzy, has trouble sleeping, and sometimes even coughs up blood at night..."
Her eyes turned red as she continued.
"The imperial physicians have come many times, but they can’t find the exact cause. They only say it might be related to her damaged foundation and extreme emotional distress..."
She lowered her head sadly.
"We servants are all very worried... If something happens to Concubine Zi, we really don’t know what to do..."
Li Feng’s face turned serious.
He gently patted the maid’s shoulder.
"I understand. Thank you for telling me."
The maid bowed deeply and quickly left.
Li Feng stood there for a moment.
He couldn’t help but wonder if it was because of him.
After all, he had brought back the news of Fen Ziyan, which might have made her worry and caused her health to deteriorate even more.
He turned to Yue Lan and Lan Suyao, his voice low but firm.
"Let’s go see her immediately."