The Herbal Scents of Farm Life
Chapter 1448: A Bit of Treasure

Chapter 1448: Chapter 1448: A Bit of Treasure

"But, Your Majesty, that’s impossible. How could Sui Zimo possibly take a fancy to Qin Luoyin? Moreover, he has already begun to doubt me, his very own mother, so it is even less likely that he would have any involvement with Qin Luoyin."

She knew that if she did not clear this matter up, the Emperor would start to suspect that Qin Luoyin had long been colluding with Sui Zimo.

If so, she, as Qin Luoyin’s aunt, would be charged with the crime of misusing her people. Then, she would never have a place to stand in this harem again and, together with her son, would be looked down upon by others.

She dared not take this risk, nor could she afford to.

"Your Majesty, this might very well be another one of Sui Zimo’s schemes. He may wish to use Qin Luoyin to drive a wedge between Your Majesty and me. Or it could be that the child in Qin Luoyin’s belly belongs to one of his trusted subordinates. It’s all uncertain."

She had to plead her own innocence, regardless of whatever conspiracy Sui Zimo was brewing, it had to have nothing to do with her.

"Really?"

The Emperor clearly did not believe what Princess Consort Lian was saying at this moment.

Aside from these two possibilities, he could not figure out why Sui Zimo would keep Qin Luoyin after knowing she was an informant sent by them to Prince Mo’s Mansion.

There must be some unavoidable reason for it.

"Are you certain that Qin Luoyin will not betray you? Hmm?" he asked again.

"To answer Your Majesty, I am certain. Qin Luoyin’s mother is still with the Qin Family. Qin Luoyin is a dutiful child; she would not dare to betray me or the Qin Family."

This was something Princess Consort Lian could be sure of. Before Qin Luoyin entered Prince Mo’s Mansion, she had warned her more than once not to harbor any wild thoughts.

And in Qin Luoyin’s speeches, the person mentioned most was her mother—a woman deemed unworthy of attention by her brother in the Qin Family, someone not worth mentioning at all.

How could such a Qin Luoyin possibly betray the Qin Family, betray her?

"You best be sure," said the Emperor, nodding in satisfaction.

As long as he was certain that Qin Luoyin would not betray him, he could rest easy. At the very least, even if Qin Luoyin was of no significance within Prince Mo’s Mansion, she could still gather some information for them.

"Before Qin Luoyin entered the mansion, did you give her any personal items?"

He inquired.

"What, what personal items?" Princess Consort Lian was bewildered by the Emperor’s question.

Qin Luoyin was just a pawn—what need was there for personal items? Wasn’t it enough just to have her placed in Prince Mo’s Mansion?

"Fool!"

Seeing her reaction, the Emperor’s expression immediately darkened.

"Qin Luoyin entered Prince Mo’s Mansion and you didn’t even provide her with any valuables? How do you expect her to survive there, to gather intelligence for us?"

He questioned Princess Consort Lian.

"Uh..."

Princess Consort Lian was at a loss for words.

She had arranged for her own people to accompany Qin Luoyin within the mansion. If there were any bribes needed, surely they were given to those close to her, not to Qin Luoyin.

But today, before her maid was sent away, she had not seen Qin Luoyin again. Even if she wanted to give things like silver notes to Qin Luoyin, it was impossible.

"Your Majesty, I had previously entrusted them to my maid, but when she was expelled, she took all those things with her..."

"Your maid?"

The Emperor ground his teeth, a bloodthirsty glint in his eyes.

"Such a foolish maid should be dealt with after you return."