2854 Old Rival

The Butterfly Pavilion had always been under the efficient management of the Mu Clan. However, the young Crown Prince Consort now had to bear the consequences of its recent mismanagement.

Upon her return from the academy, there was a looming fear that the entire capital would be abuzz with rumors, painting her as the harbinger of calamity.

The execution of this scheme bore the hallmark of her old adversary. This foe, notorious for never allowing her an easy time, demonstrated a mastery of strategy and meticulous planning.

Had she not swiftly intervened and rushed back, events might have spiraled uncontrollably according to the adversary's sinister design.

Qiao Mu clenched her fists instinctively and tightly pursed her lips, struggling to contain the surging emotions threatening to overwhelm her.

If her old adversary stood before her now, she might find herself unable to resist tearing them apart!

Drawing a deep breath, she lowered her gaze to Embroider, who lay unconscious on the bed, her eyes tightly shut.

After instructing someone to fetch water, Qiao Mu expertly removed the layers of cotton covering Caixiu's face. She proceeded to meticulously cleanse the wound before applying ointment.

Standing up, she turned to Caiqi, who was nearby, and issued her orders, "The wound on her face will sting and itch for the next two days. When she awakens, ensure she refrains from touching the wound. Take good care of her."

"This medicine will gradually alleviate the discomfort after three days of application. The numbness and itching will gradually subside."

"Understood, Crown Prince Consort. I will watch over her closely."

Qiao Mu handed the medicine bottle to Caiqi. "If she finds the pain unbearable, allow her to take one."

"Yes."

With pursed lips and a stoic expression, Qiao Mu exited the room. As the door to the adjoining chamber closed with a resolute thud, she raised her gaze to the sunset-lit sky. Her eyes glistened with an intense, almost palpable darkness.

This individual had gone to great lengths to frame her, displaying a level of manipulation aimed at tarnishing the Butterfly Pavilion's reputation. The extent of their efforts was truly astonishing.

She reached out to rub her throbbing temple, a fleeting thought darting through her mind before vanishing into thin air.

Since she couldn't quite grasp it, she decided to set it aside for now.

Due to Caixiu's injuries, limiting her mobility, Qiao Mu left Caiqi to tend to her while she escorted Huifeng, Li Ye, and the others back to the Eastern Palace.

As night descended, Huifeng approached with a slightly displeased expression, reporting that the eight members of the Zhang family, originally imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice's cells, had mysteriously perished.

Qiao Mu's fury surged, and she forcefully slammed her teacup to the ground.

Zhao Tengdong, Eunuch Chen, Palace Lady Jing, and the rest of the attendants immediately lowered their heads, not daring to make a sound.

"Very well, very well indeed!" Qiao Mu muttered repeatedly, a fierce glint flashing in her eyes.

She realized she had overlooked something critical: the poison responsible for the sudden deaths had also been used to frame the Zhang family. It was a ruthless and swift move by her cunning adversary, dealing her yet another devastating blow.

While the Zhang family's actions had been despicable, it was not her intention for their entire clan to meet such a dire fate.

Her initial plan had merely been to teach the greedy Zhang family a lesson they would never forget during their time in jail. But now…

The consequences of their avarice had spiraled to unimaginable proportions, claiming the lives of their entire family.

"Are there any other members of the Zhang family?"

"As soon as this subordinate received the report, Madam Zhang's sole grandson marched to the capital hall to file a complaint against the Crown Prince Consort!"

Eunuch Chen responded with indignation, "Why would he bring a lawsuit against the Crown Prince Consort? Even if his entire family perishes in prison, his grievance should be directed at the Ministry of Justice for their incompetence!"