Lu Qingwan did not commit to an answer. She turned to ask Lu Qianhuang and the others, "And you, did you come to see me for the same reason?"
The three shook their heads in unison. Chi Yaoyao spoke first, "Reporting to the Consort, your humble subordinate was on duty in the Xuanjia Army. I rushed back only after receiving an order from the Ministry of War. Upon my return, I reported to the Ministry of War immediately. Following the instructions of Lord Lu, I was then permitted to enter the palace."
Lu Qianhuang also said sternly, "Your humble subordinate also received an order from Lord Lu. I entered the city early this morning and after checking in at the Ministry of War, I was granted a token from the Imperial Household Department before entering the palace."
Chi Yaoyao hurriedly raised the token at her waist to add, "Yes, yes, your humble subordinate also entered the palace with a token from the Imperial Household Department."
Given the official positions of Lu Qianhuang and Chi Yaoyao, they would not have been qualified to enter the palace without a token from the Imperial Household Department. As for Wen Rugo, despite her county princess title, she could only enter the palace to pay respects on specific days.
At that time, she said earnestly, "Grandfather said that I had made many foolish mistakes before, and the Prince and Consort were magnanimous and did not hold them against me. However, I cannot act as if nothing happened. The Consort needs my assistance now, so I obtained my grandmother's token to enter the palace. Because of my grandfather's position, I learned that General Lu and Miss Chi were also entering the palace, so I waited outside the palace gate and came with them."
After the women finished speaking, Lu Qingwan's gaze returned to Madam Yue Zhao. "And you, Madam Yue Zhao, by what means did you enter the palace?"
Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes swept to Madam Yue Zhao's waist. There was no token. Madam Yue Zhao's face showed visible panic.
Lu Qianhuang, with her extensive experience, immediately said, "Consort, please do not be angry. There may be some trickery involved, and Madam Yue Zhao should not be solely blamed."
Madam Yue Zhao also quickly explained, "Your Royal Highnesses, please see reason. The Witch Tribe had scoundrels like Mu Ge and Na Zhen, who almost made the entire Witch Tribe an enemy of the Heavenly Dynasty. We are grateful for your Highnesses' kindness in not despising us and giving the Witch Tribe a chance to survive, allowing our people to enjoy the most favorable policies, just like all citizens of the Heavenly Dynasty. I and the people of the Witch Tribe are too grateful to even think of trespassing into the imperial palace, let alone the Imperial Study. I was truly ordered by Lord Cheng. Before entering the palace, an eunuch from the Imperial Household Department showed a token, and only then were the brothers of the Shence Camp allowed to let me enter the palace."
Yue Zhao's explanation was reasonable. Even Lu Qianhuang, who was not familiar with her, defended her, "Yes, Consort. Think about the incident with the former General and General Chi last time. Madam Yue Zhao entering the palace without being summoned may very well be someone employing the same tactic again, intending to sow discord between the court and the Witch Tribe. They are tireless in their use of such despicable methods. If the Consort takes it seriously, the new capital will never know peace!"
After her initial defense, Madam Yue Zhao said no more, kneeling silently on the spot, awaiting Lu Qingwan's judgment.
Lu Qingwan then turned to Wen Rugo, "I heard you wish to join the Dali Temple in the future. Would you like an opportunity to practice?"
Wen Rugo had lost the overbearing arrogance she had when she first met Lu Qingwan. Her posture kneeling before Lu Qingwan was now no different from that of dignified and graceful noblewomen. Furthermore, due to her long association with experienced court officials while studying at Songshan Academy, she possessed a calmness and composure that many noble ladies lacked. She did not appear flustered by encountering such an event on her first visit to the palace and said calmly, "Please instruct me, Consort."
Lu Qingwan was direct, "I will soon order the imprisonment of Yue Zhao and summon the Prefect of Jingzhao and Cheng Nanliu to the palace to be questioned. I will escalate this matter according to the enemy's plan. I will temporarily grant you the authority of the Assistant Minister of Dali Temple, and you will meticulously investigate this matter following the proper procedures. I not only want the truth, but I also want the world to see the strength of our Tianfeng court. Furthermore, I will announce to the world that anyone who attempts to deceive the heavens and disturb the peace of the court in such a manner will not be tolerated!"
Wen Rugo, having studied at Songshan Academy, not only focused on the Four Books and Five Classics and essay writing required for the imperial examinations but also explored methods of case investigation with experienced officials. Upon hearing this, she excitedly said, "Your humble subject guarantees to complete the task."
Lu Qingwan then waved her hand, "Shuangyue and Jiaping are elites from my Twelve Months. They will escort you until the truth of this case is revealed." The existence of the Twelve Months by Lu Qingwan's side was no longer a secret in the court. Their presence was almost as influential as the Li-character guards protecting Si Fengwu, allowing them to move about the new capital with considerable freedom. Wen Rugo was naturally thrilled.
However, as a noblewoman raised in a prominent family, even in her excitement, she did not forget to consider others' feelings. After her initial joy, she looked at Madam Yue Zhao with concern, "However, in this case, Madam Yue Zhao may have to suffer some grievances. May I ask if the Consort would allow your humble subject to confine Madam Yue Zhao in the Dali Temple prison? The prison conditions there are somewhat better than those in the Ministry of Justice and the Prefectural Office of Jingzhao."
Madam Yue Zhao quickly replied, "As long as the matter can be investigated clearly, I have no objections." The Witch Tribe had erred first, and now, with such an incident occurring while Tianfeng's foundation was firmly established, she dared not put on airs as a female chieftain. Being imprisoned for a period was a small matter; she would even welcome physical hardship if it meant clearing the Witch Tribe's name.
But Lu Qingwan was determined to thoroughly eradicate those who deceived superiors and manipulated inferiors and attempted to shake the foundation of the nation. How could she leave any loose ends? Hearing this, she said without hesitation, "You don't need to worry about Yue Zhao. I will personally ensure the Shence Camp protects her well. Now, you may withdraw. The court's appointments for you will be issued soon. Be prepared. Serving as an official in the capital is not as easy as you might think."
Chi Yaoyao and the others came in with apprehension and left in a haze, not even knowing the purpose of their summons to the palace as they left. After they departed, Lu Qingwan, with her legs crossed majestically on the dragon throne, coldly called out, "Duan Yue."
The latter arrived with hurried steps, yet without panic. She knelt on one knee and asked, "What are the Consort's orders?"
"Go immediately and investigate who has contacted Yue Zhao since yesterday when I spoke with the lords about my ascension to the throne. Once it is confirmed that the mastermind is connected to the person who imitated Lu Qianhuang and wrote me a letter, falsely accusing Lin Qingshan, the Prefect of Guizhou, then investigate thoroughly. All involved individuals will be charged with treason."
Upon hearing Lu Qingwan's tone, Duan Yue knew this was no small matter and immediately responded and left. Si Fengwu stepped forward and gently stroked Lu Qingwan's back, soothing her, and then, like coaxing a child, teased her, "Consort, you are mighty! I observe that you handle matters with a sense of proportion and act decisively, already possessing the aura of an empress! In the future, you will surely awe the world and be recorded in history!"
Lu Qingwan gave a fake chuckle, "I thank you!"