CHAPTER 120: CHAPTER 119 I’M IN TROUBLE

She had hoped to kill two birds with one stone: cause the Noble Consort to miscarry and have Lady Xia killed, thus reclaiming her supremacy in the Harem.

But now... If she didn’t investigate, wouldn’t that further show her own guilty conscience? The crowd below might not dare to say anything to her face, but who knew what they would say behind her back? The motherly image she had painstakingly built over the years was on the verge of collapse!

Thinking of this, the Empress felt a suffocating lump in her chest, unable to breathe, stuck somewhere between going up and coming down...

Just then, a Little Eunuch suddenly called out from outside the door, "The Emperor has arrived!"

This cry, like a beam of light in the pitch-black night, rescued her from the boundless darkness. The Empress breathed a sigh of relief, regained her composure, and quickly rose to greet him.

The Concubines below did not rise; they knelt on the ground and saluted, "Greetings to the Emperor!"

Zhao Junyao, dressed in his bright yellow Dragon Robe, strode in. Seeing everyone kneeling, he was a bit surprised and commanded, "What are you all kneeling for? Get up!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The crowd slowly stood up. The Empress assisted the Emperor to sit down and personally served him tea.

Once everything had settled, the Empress sat beside the Emperor, feeling extremely anxious.

She had no idea... how much the Emperor had overheard. If even the Emperor said to continue the investigation, then what should she do? If the Emperor knew that she was the one behind this affair! Then...

The more she thought about it, the more anxious she became, almost unable to remain seated.

Zhao Junyao sat beside her, seemingly expressionless, taking in everything. He pretended not to notice and, with long fingers, pinched the teacup but didn’t bring it to his lips. The chirping of cicadas outside masked the silence within, and no one dared to speak another word.

After what seemed like an eternity, Zhao Junyao felt the time was ripe. He set down his teacup and spoke, "I think... Lady Xia makes a valid point! This matter must be thoroughly investigated. What do you think, Empress?"

The Empress was pondering something. Only when the Emperor addressed her did she lift her head in confusion. "Ah... ah? The... the Emperor is right, we must investigate thoroughly!" she said, flustered.

It had been so long since the Emperor stepped into Jiaofang Hall; she could hardly remember. His sudden appearance now left her completely unprepared. Especially since... she had just committed a wrong deed. Indeed... she was on pins and needles!

Hearing her agree, Zhao Junyao curved his lips slightly. After pondering for a moment, he added, "Since the Empress agrees, why not let Lady Xia conduct the investigation?"

The Empress nodded frantically without even listening to the full statement. "Yes, yes, yes!"

But halfway through her agreement, she suddenly sensed something was amiss. "Ah...?"

"Your Majesty, this matter is of great significance. It should be left to your humble servant to investigate. I will surely give you a satisfactory answer!" the Empress pleaded desperately.

That woman was an unyielding, tough nut to crack! With the Emperor supporting her, who knew what old scores she might unearth? Therefore, the investigation must not be left to Lady Xia.

Zhao Junyao’s face showed a hint of difficulty. But the Empress had already risen and knelt before him to make her request. "Your Majesty, as head of The Six Palaces, this matter involving the Noble Consort was due to my lack of oversight. Please allow your servant to atone for my misdeed, find the real culprit, and vindicate Lady Xia!"

The Empress spoke with sincere earnestness, her words carrying both an urgent desperation and a palpable anxiety.

Zhao Junyao looked at the Empress kneeling on the ground, then said hesitantly, "The Empress also has a point. However..."

Seeing that the Emperor still disagreed, the Empress, in a state of turmoil, abandoned all pretense and began to kowtow. "Your Majesty, this is indeed within my duties. I beg you to grant your permission!"

Zhao Junyao looked at her for a while, then nodded in agreement. "In that case, this matter... shall be entrusted to the Empress. I hope the Empress will not let me down!"

Having said that, Zhao Junyao stood up and left. When he reached Xia Ruqing’s side, he paused for a moment, glanced at her, and then strode away.

"Your Majesty, farewell!"

The voices of the Concubines rose behind him as he exited the grand hall.

With Yu Lan’s help, the Empress stood. She turned, looked at the people still kneeling below, and said, her voice devoid of spirit, "All of you, rise. If there is nothing else, you may leave!"

After speaking, she paid no mind to anything else and entered the inner chamber, supported by Yu Lan’s hand.

After exchanging glances for a moment, the other Concubines also rose and dispersed.

On her way back, Xia Ruqing walked along the road. She hurriedly caught up with Consort Hui Pin and thanked her. "This servant thanks Consort Hui Pin for speaking on my behalf!"

Consort Hui Pin slowed her steps, smiled faintly, and shook her head. "There’s no need to thank me. I was simply telling the truth."

Xia Ruqing insisted, "Many know the truth, yet only Your Highness spoke up for me!"

Seeing her insistence, Consort Hui Pin said no more. The two walked together for a while, chatting for a few moments before parting at a crossroads.

「Inside Jiaofang Hall」

The Empress returned to the inner chamber and lay on the couch, trying to figure things out.

What must she do with this matter to satisfy the Emperor? Of course, she knew Lady Xia was not the real culprit, and the Emperor must know it too! It seems Lady Xia has truly captured the Emperor’s heart. To have the Emperor protect someone like this—it’s the first she’s seen in the Harem!

"This place really is one where only the laughter of newcomers is heard, not the cries of the old," the Empress said with a cold laugh. "When the Noble Consort first entered the Eastern Palace, how glorious and favored she was! Despite being the Crown Princess Consort, I was almost suffocated by the pressure from a mere Consort. Who would have thought that now... the Noble Consort would also fall out of favor! To be overshadowed by an Honored Lady, just like that!"

When the Empress reached the last word, she almost gritted her teeth, her fingernails digging into her flesh.

When will it be her turn for glory? Seeing how the Emperor is now, perhaps she would never be favored. But all is still well; as an Empress, she has never yearned for love. What she seeks is status! The supreme status in the Harem! She needs to have a child soon; her position will only be secure with a child.

With that in mind, she slowly closed her eyes.

Emperor, as long as I remain the Empress, you can’t let me live too miserably. You will always come to me, for I am the Empress, and you must come. Without a legitimate son, even the court cannot be stable. Therefore, I will wait! I will wait patiently!

「...」

When Honored Lady Hu returned, her face was nearly devoid of color. As soon as she reached Lijing Pavilion, she collapsed on the couch, dazed and vacant.

Lv Zhu came to attend to her. Noticing her pallor, she suggested, "My lady, do you feel unwell? Shall I call for the Imperial Physician to have a look?"

Honored Lady Hu shook her head. "No need!"

Lv Luo was somewhat puzzled. "What’s the matter with you, my lady? Why not confide in us?"

Honored Lady Hu still stared blankly, not saying a word. Although the two Palace Maids were anxious, they were at a loss.

Just when they did not know what to do, Honored Lady Hu suddenly spoke.