Chapter 25: The Good Days Are Over
Li Xuanyue seized the opportunity and knelt in the main hall. “If this matter is not investigated thoroughly to clear your child’s name, it is inevitable that someone will reoffend in the future.”
“Furthermore, this matter concerns the honor of the Phoenix Clan. The fact that the rumormonger is so bold suggests there must be a powerful figure directing them from behind the scenes.”
As Li Xuanyue spoke, she made sure to glance in Li Qinghe’s direction.
Her meaning was so clear it was as if she had pointed a finger at Li Qinghe’s nose and declared she was the culprit.
The look sent a chill down Li Qinghe’s spine.
Why does she keep staring at me? Could she possibly know that I’m the one behind this?
Li Xuanyue took in all of Li Qinghe’s apprehension and unease.
Only worried now? Isn’t it a bit late?
Li Xuanyue sneered inwardly.
With just a few words, she had turned the tables, instantly transforming herself from the accused into the victim.
And the elders didn’t dare to stand up and refute her.
They had finally realized that the First Princess was likely truly angered by this matter of her heirs.
Could it be that this matter is entirely baseless?
The elders couldn’t help but whisper and doubt among themselves.
In the past, although Li Xuanyue’s attitude toward them was not exactly polite, she had never been so harsh.
But today, she was like a different person.
Not only was she fierce, but her actions had also become much more decisive.
It instilled an inexplicable fear in people.
“Then let’s entrust this matter to the Third Elder.”
Among the elders present, this Third Elder had been the most aggressive. It was only fitting to have him investigate the matter. It would be perfect to present the results of the investigation before them all, to show them how wrong they had been.
And the rumormonger behind it all was truly detestable. Once caught, she would be punished severely.
The Third Elder never imagined this hot potato would land in his lap.
His eyes widened in shock.
Can someone tell me what’s going on?
He had only come to verify the truth of the matter; he had no intention of personally finding the culprit.
Was the Phoenix Empress doing this to make him slap his own face?
Li Qinghe also hadn’t expected things to turn out this way.
A flash of panic crossed her eyes as she looked up at Li Feng, seated on the throne.
“Mother Empress, how can we believe only my sister’s side of the story?”
She had finally gotten this opportunity to destroy Li Xuanyue. How could she let her escape so easily?
“In your child’s opinion, it would be best to summon Imperial Physician Fang to examine my sister. Even if it’s just a rumor, it would be fine for him to come and check her pulse for reassurance.”
Li Qinghe’s impatient demeanor was as if she had already foreseen the scene of Imperial Physician Fang announcing Li Xuanyue’s infertility in front of everyone.
Shock, astonishment, and even more, anger and fury.
So what if Li Xuanyue was triumphant for now? It was only temporary.
Once Imperial Physician Fang arrived, all her little tricks would be exposed.
Li Xuanyue found Li Qinghe’s confident air inexplicably amusing.
And why not? This dear sister of hers never fought a battle she wasn’t sure of winning. The fact that she had harmed her so tragically in her past life was proof enough of her acting skills and cunning. It was only natural for her to be so confident.
She just wondered if Li Qinghe would be able to accept it when Imperial Physician Fang actually announced the results in front of her.
She was rather looking forward to that scene.
“It seems my younger sister has an issue with me.”
Even if Li Xuanyue could immediately agree to Li Qinghe’s request to have Imperial Physician Fang examine her and dispel the rumors, she was unwilling to let Li Qinghe get her way so easily.
She had to make her pay a price.
Only then would she deeply realize that some things, even if she plotted and schemed behind the scenes, would ultimately be exposed by her, forcing her to suffer the consequences of her own actions.
“I’ve already said it’s a rumor, it can’t possibly be true. For you to be so eager to have Imperial Physician Fang come, could it be that you suspect me?”
“Do you think I’m lying?”
This dear sister of hers truly couldn’t give her a moment’s peace.
She had such a cold and noble face, yet her actions were enough to chill one’s heart to the core.
It wasn’t that she hadn’t given her a chance; it was that she hadn’t cherished it.
Since that was the case, why should she be polite to her any longer?
Li Qinghe felt as if ants were crawling all over her under Li Xuanyue’s naked gaze.
The itching was unbearable.
She uncomfortably averted her eyes and said timidly, “You misunderstand, Elder Sister. I am only doing this out of concern for your health. Please forgive me.”
If Li Xuanyue believed her words, then she was a fool.
“I am well aware of my own health. There is no need for my younger sister to trouble herself.”
Li Qinghe was truly panicking now. “How can you say that, Elder Sister?” She continued to persuade her with a smile, “This matter concerns not only your health, but also the future of the Phoenix Clan.”
“Please, Elder Sister, you must reconsider.”
Li Xuanyue lowered her eyes.
So, she thinks the soft approach isn’t working, and now she’s trying to use the future of the Phoenix Clan to guilt-trip me?
Truly her dear sister, one scheme after another. And each one different from the last.
“Yue’er, why don’t we do as Qinghe suggests and summon Imperial Physician Fang.”
At this moment, Li Feng, who had been sitting calmly on her throne, finally spoke.
It was no accident that she held such a high position; she had also distinguished herself from among many Phoenix Clan princesses. How could she not see that this was a setup?
A look of triumph flashed in Li Qinghe’s eyes. “Elder Sister, since the Mother Empress has spoken, you shouldn’t disappoint everyone’s good intentions.”
The implication was clear: If you don’t agree to have Imperial Physician Fang examine you in the main hall, it proves you have something to hide.
Now she wanted to see what Li Xuanyue would do.
Did she think she could get away with just a few words?
She was dreaming.
With her here, she would never let that happen.
Li Xuanyue took in all of Li Qinghe’s smugness, committing it to memory.
She had never thought her dear sister would be so unscrupulous just to bring her down.
Since she was so impatient, then she would let her die with a clear understanding.
“Since everyone is so concerned about my health, then I shall not refuse.”
As if having made a great decision, Li Xuanyue turned and ordered the guards outside the hall, “Someone, go and summon Imperial Physician Fang for me.”
Li Qinghe stood in the main hall and secretly let out a sigh of relief.
But what followed was another kind of tension and excitement.
Thinking about the unexpected events that would soon unfold in the hall.
For example, the fact that Li Xuanyue’s infertility was true.
She couldn’t help but want to laugh.
My dear sister, your lucky days are probably ending today.
Soon, Imperial Physician Fang was led into the Hall of Central Harmony by the guards.
“This subject pays his respects to the Phoenix Empress.”
Although Imperial Physician Fang had prepared himself, when the day finally came, he couldn’t help but feel nervous. Even his kneeling body trembled slightly.
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