Li Qing after finding the opportunity, explained to Go Kang what happened in the orchid pavilion.
Shrewd Go Kang at this point understood that HwaHwa was slowly turning to someone dangerous, he never understood her, they never gave her basic necessities like food, cloth or knowledge but here she was properly manipulating everyone in the palace, even injuring someone to this extent.Though it may sound unbelievable, but he trusted Li Qing when she explained the truth
He looked around at the servers bringing wine and food, noticing the one he had arranged, a quick message was exchanged.
On the other side HwaHwa was prepared for the next attack, she had noticed that Su Kang was just the starter.
When she noticed Go Kang, keeping his eyes on the server serving Concubine Mei fruit wine which was safe for the pregnant woman, the same one was also serving drinks in their row. She looked at concubine Mei whose food was being tested for poison.
Soon her eyes flashed, looking around she calmly listened to the discussion when new thoughts rose in her head.
A Minister wife on the left was gossiping that the emperor got attracted towards concubine Mei because of her chess skills. She had mastered the chess and King himself was defeated many times.
Listening to their discussion a contingency plan rose in her mind. These few days since visit to Shen Sun. He had sent many chess books, intrigued by her sense towards the warfare in the game. Though her mastery before teaching was good, but since reading those books she had surpassed many. Only Dak Shin and few left to defeat her but it would be a tough battle.
Currently many young ladies were showing their talent in painting, calligraphy, dance and music with few young men exploring prospect of their partners, same for the ladies.
HwaHwa noticed a disdain in few people's expressions as they looked at her, with words like adoption whispered to each other.
Ming Qian was watching everything going on, she was close to Concubine Mei and she truly found a friend in her. Her pregnancy was a pleasant surprise and she had joined her by sitting next to each other near to the emperor.
Yi Min looked at Ming Qian smiling softly at concubine Mei. He had married Mei'er because she was close friend of Meng Qian, though there was age difference between them close to fifteen years, but he was willing to share his wealth and comfort with her, including some benefits to her paternal family all for the same of Ming Qian.
Meng Qian though listening to Mei, but her eyes searched for Dak Shin, she felt her brother has been isolated since Yi Min took the throne, but words like adoption caught her attention, calling her personal maid Su Bing, she learned about Go Min Hwa.
Another adopted daughter in another household, she had been lucky finding Dak Shang as her adopted father and Dak Shin as her brother, but knowing the extent to which nobility would go she looked at the serene looking girl as pity rose in her heart.
Just then, she pointed at HwaHwa," Miss Go has been silent all this while, is Miss Go willing to present some talent for us to watch."
Li Qing felt her heart jump, " You highness Princess Ming, HwaHwa don't know anything she does not like learning. My other daughter Go Qing has been learning zither, I can ask her to perform".
Ming Qian smirked " Go Furen is still very active after causing Su family their second son family line. Just because both party has been at fault we are not sending you for interrogation does not give you the leeway to open your mouth when not asked".
Li Qing felt sweat lining her palm as she put her head down but not before glaring at HwaHwa.
Standing up HwaHwa approached Concubine Mei table " Your highness, I have long heard about your talent in chess, kindly allow me to play a game and learn few steps with you".