The case of the corpse floating in the Lotus Pond at the Imperial Garden ended up exactly as guessed by Princess Consort Duan, with Empress Su finding a less favored concubine to take the blame. The motives for murder and corpse disposal were arranged seamlessly, and eventually, that concubine was demoted and thrown into the Cold Palace, concluding the matter.
Emperor Guangxi knew well that this affair couldn't be unrelated to Empress Su, yet ultimately chose to turn a blind eye.
As a ruler, one must consider the bigger picture.
Once the past dynasty learns of discord between the Emperor and Empress, the impact will inevitably be significant.
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Empress Dowager did not attend the Second Prince's full moon banquet that day, but she heard about the 'Lotus Pond corpse' afterward.
Like Emperor Guangxi, Empress Dowager immediately thought of Empress Su.
That woman, whether before or after the Su family lost power, never ceased causing trouble for a day.
