Chapter 330 - 329: Begging
Mrs. Chu asked Mrs. Li if she knew who was spreading the rumors, but Mrs. Li denied knowledge. She genuinely didn’t know; she had no influence in the Outer Court, and the key positions in the Inner Courtyard were replaced by Mrs. Chu’s people.
Mrs. Chu stated, "Very well, I shall have it investigated, and once we uncover the truth, that person will be dealt with."
It soon became clear that the source of the rumors was a coarse woman from Mrs. Li’s courtyard. Many people testified that she had spread these rumors. Mrs. Chu had her beaten with ten rods and ousted from the premises.
Blaming herself for the rumors, Mrs. Li hid in her courtyard and dared not venture outside.
Days flew by, and by the 25th day, Chen Afu, who had been fake-sick for three days, finally got up. She had some unfinished business that couldn’t be postponed by acting sick any longer.
She got up early and started making jin si cakes. She prepared some for breakfast, serving two pieces each to everyone in the courtyard—except for Mrs. Li, of course.
After breakfast, she continued making the cakes, sent forty pieces to Consort in the Anrong Hall, and was about to put twenty pieces for the Royal Rui’s household into a food box when a servant from the Outer Court reported that Princess Rui and the second prince were on their way.
Chen Afu quickly changed her clothes, washed her hands, and went to greet them. Just as she stepped out of the main hall, she saw Princess Rui entering her courtyard with the nanny holding Li Xuan and a few servants.