Chapter 1043: Chapter 761: "Filthy Thing" (Part 2)
Unexpectedly, it happened right before our eyes at this moment.
Chu Ruoyan spoke word by word, "Because those hawthorn cakes contained contamination."
Upon hearing this, Yu Wenquan furrowed his brow; evidently, the term "contamination" stirred unease and suspicion within him. Reflecting on the events that ensued, his expression gradually darkened as he asked, "What’s the matter? Explain everything from the beginning."
"Yes."
Chu Ruoyan took a deep breath and said, "A few days ago, I heard the joyous news of Princess Qin’s pregnancy. I was very happy and wanted to send her a congratulatory gift. However, the Princess is so high above, and the Emperor has bestowed countless gifts. Even if I gave away everything I own, it wouldn’t impress the Princess. As the saying goes, ’The sentiment is more important than the gift.’ So, I thought of sending a gift rich in sentiment."
Hearing this, a gentle ripple gradually appeared in Yu Wenquan’s initially calm gaze.
He asked, "Are they those hawthorn cakes?"
Chu Ruoyan replied, "Yes. I had someone request hawthorn, rock sugar, and some kitchen utensils from the Food Bureau to personally make hawthorn cakes in Jinyu Garden. However, since it was my first time cooking, I practiced for several days. Only five days ago did I manage to make a box of hawthorn cakes."
At this point, Yu Wenquan abruptly turned to look at Aunt Hui: "Was there such a thing?"
"...!"
Aunt Hui, who had just wanted to "invite" Chu Ruoyan out but couldn’t, stood aside, her brows furrowing tighter and tighter as she listened, seemingly realizing something. Now, as Yu Wenquan suddenly asked, Aunt Hui took a deep breath and quickly forced a smile: "Yes. The Food Bureau showed me a list; all materials were solely for making pastries. A small kitchen was also set up in Jinyu Garden recently. It turns out it was to make a congratulatory gift for the Princess."
Yu Wenquan nodded and asked, "Since you made it yourself, why was there ’contamination’ inside?"
Chu Ruoyan said, "After the cake was made, I felt that although the sentiment was heavy, the gift was indeed too light, not suitable for presentation. Fortunately, I then remembered that there was a food box with intricate carvings left by my mother in the warehouse of Jinyu Garden, which could add charm to the humble gift."
"..."
"So, I asked the palace maid in charge of the warehouse to fetch that box, clean it thoroughly, and send it over."
Yu Wenquan asked, "Is it Jian Chun?"
Chu Ruoyan replied, "Yes, it’s Jian Chun."
She suddenly said angrily, "But unexpectedly, that maid was so careless. I gave clear instructions that the box must be delivered to Princess Qin’s hand at Qianqiu Palace, and since the Princess was pregnant, it was crucial to clean it thoroughly. Yet, she only wiped the outside briefly before bringing it, and when I placed the hawthorn cakes inside, the dust accumulated in the hollow lid scattered all over the cakes I had personally made!"
"..."
Upon hearing this, Yu Wenquan’s breath suddenly became heavy.
He didn’t speak immediately, instead looking at Chu Ruoyan’s lowered eyes, and after a moment of silence, said, "So, that’s the... contamination."
Chu Ruoyan replied, "Yes."
Yu Wenquan gave her a deep look and then turned to Shang Ruyi, who was breathing as if suffocating: "Then Ruyi, you—"
Shang Ruyi took a deep breath and said, "Yes, I secretly disposed of those hawthorn cakes for this reason. It’s a pity that Lady Chu’s kindness was ruined by that palace maid."
"..."
"And later, Lady Chu also came to Qianqiu Palace to inquire about the reason,"
She spoke, intentionally giving Aunt Hui a deep look, "Aunt Hui just said, Lady Chu came to Qianqiu Palace with people ’angrily’ to find me for the same reason."
Aunt Hui glanced at her without speaking.
Yu Wenquan understood, "So that’s how it is."
With the first layer of his concerns revealed and resolved, Yu Wenquan felt relieved. He then asked, "Then, how did that palace maid named Jian Chun die? Ruoyan, do you know?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Chu Ruoyan fell to her knees with a thud.
At this, everyone was shocked; Shang Ruyi quickly said, "Ruoyan."
After speaking, she wanted to go forward to help her up, but Chu Ruoyan shook her hand and said to Yu Wenquan: "I am guilty."
Yu Wenquan immediately furrowed his brow, "Explain clearly."
Chu Ruoyan said, "After knowing the matter of hawthorn cakes, I was very angry and went back to harshly scold Jian Chun. I was very upset at the time, so I, I hit her with something."
