sbdcsierra Chapter 1776 The Emperor's Favoritism
Chapter 1776 The Emperor's Favoritism
Why resort to such a flawed and misguided strategy that would implicate the mother's family?
Moreover, given Niannian's position in his heart, if she wanted to pave the way for Axu, she could have won his heart more directly, instead of taking such a risk.
Furthermore, Nian Nian's affection for A Xu and the imperial heir in her womb has always stemmed from her deepest love.
The emperor saw it all.
Would a mother with a tender heart for her child kill another equally innocent child for the sake of some vague and uncertain future threat?
He didn't believe it.
However... Nangong Xuanyu could not bring himself to say these words.
In full view of everyone, Consort Zhuang cried out her innocence, which brought to light concrete evidence against the Xia family.
The emperor, as the ruler of the world, could dote on Shen Zhinian and bestow upon her unparalleled honor. However, he could not, in public, when evidence pointed to her, unprincipledly protect her.
That's not protection; it will only put her in a more dangerous situation.
This confirmed her guilt of being arrogant because of the emperor's favor and deceiving him, thus arousing even more jealousy and resentment.
It would also give those ministers from the previous dynasty who were eyeing the harem and the Shen family an excuse to attack them.
The emperor intended to end the probationary period for Imperial Noble Consort Shen early after she gave birth to his child and make her Empress.
At such a critical juncture, Nian Nian's reputation must not be tarnished!
In the blink of an eye, the emperor's mind had been at work countless times.
Nangong Xuanyu slowly raised his eyes, his gaze falling on Consort Mei, filled with a sense of oppression: "The struggle for the eldest son?"
"Consort Mei, do you know what you're saying?!"
When Consort Mei was swept by the Emperor's gaze, her heart skipped a beat, and her courage vanished in an instant. She hurriedly lowered her head and said, "Your Majesty, I was merely... merely making a factual guess. I dared not have any other intentions..."
Nangong Xuanyu's tone was full of authority: "How dare you make wild guesses and stir up trouble in the harem regarding the safety of the princes?!"
He didn't speak harshly, but those words were enough to make Consort Mei turn pale and break out in a cold sweat.
She was so frightened that she knelt on the ground: "Your Majesty, please calm your anger!"
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, you absolutely did not mean that!"
After reprimanding Consort Mei, Nangong Xuanyu turned to Su Quanye and asked, "What you just reported about the Xia family's money flowing to Xiao Yizi's family members—how many people were involved? Do the accounts match up?"
Su Quanye bowed and said, "Your Majesty, the account books of Changsheng Bank, the manager's statement, and the amount and time of the money received by Xiao Yizi's family all correspond."
"The people specifically in charge were the manager of the Xia family's silk shop and two employees. They have been taken into custody by the servants and are undergoing preliminary questioning."
"The steward only said that he was acting on the orders of the young master to allocate a sum of money for special favors, but he did not know the specific purpose."
"Young Master Xia Ziyu is not currently in the capital; he has gone south to inspect his properties."
Nangong Xuanyu's brow twitched slightly: "Not in the capital?"
When did you leave Beijing?
Su Quanye respectfully replied, "About half a month ago."
Half a month ago, the Third Prince's illness was beginning to worsen, and the Imperial Hospital was likely to start taking action.
The timing is so coincidental that it's quite intriguing.
Nangong Xuanyu remained silent for a moment before his gaze finally fell on Shen Zhinian: "Imperial Noble Consort, the Xia family is involved in the matter of the Third Prince. What do you have to say about that?"
Shen Zhinian met the emperor's gaze and slowly stood up.
Because of her heavy body, her movements were slightly slow.
Han Dan and Fu Qu quickly and carefully helped her up.
Nangong Xuanyu subconsciously reached out his hand, but then withdrew it in order to maintain an image of fairness in front of everyone.
Shen Zhinian said, "Your Majesty, the Xia family is my stepmother's family, and they are indeed related by marriage to the Shen family."
"However, merchants travel far and wide, their personnel are numerous, and their accounts are complex. I am deep within the palace and never concern myself with business matters outside."
"I have no idea who the Xia family members are or what they did."
"As for Consort Mei's concerns about the eldest son being the legitimate heir..."
Shen Zhinian lowered her head slightly and looked at the pale-faced Consort Mei: "That's utter nonsense, and your intentions are sinister!"
"Your Majesty is the ruler of the world, wise and decisive. The selection of an heir and the cultivation of talent are matters of divine decree."
"As a concubine in the harem, I only know how to serve Your Majesty wholeheartedly and raise the princes. I pray that Your Majesty's offspring will be numerous and healthy, for this is a blessing for the nation and my only wish!"
"The Third Prince is frail, and I am always concerned about him. How could I possibly have the intention to harm him?"
"Such remarks not only slander me, but also belittle Your Majesty's wisdom and disregard the bonds of kinship within the imperial family!"
Nangong Xuanyu listened without changing his expression, but nodded slightly in his heart.
Niannian is indeed intelligent and kind.
Shen Zhinian continued, "Your Majesty, now that the Xia family's money has flowed into the home of the servant involved, no matter the reason, the Xia family cannot escape blame and should be thoroughly investigated."
"Your Majesty, I implore you to thoroughly investigate those in the Xia family involved and trace the source of the money!"
"Only then can we see the light after the storm, so that the innocent are not wronged and the real culprits do not go unpunished."
Looking at Shen Zhinian's open and honest demeanor, Nangong Xuanyu said gently, "What the Imperial Noble Consort said makes sense. There are many doubts in this matter, and we should not listen to only one side of the story."
"Su Quanye".
Su Quanye immediately stepped forward: "This servant is here!"
The Emperor said, "Continue to interrogate the managers and employees of the Xia family involved in the case, as well as Xiao Yizi and Physician Qin. We must get them to talk and find out the ultimate source of the money and who was behind it!"
At this point, he looked at Consort Zhuang: "Since you have cried out for justice, you shall be temporarily confined to Changchun Palace to await the truth. All the palace staff shall cooperate with the investigation and there shall be no mistakes."
"Until the truth comes out, no one in the harem is allowed to make any unfounded comments, let alone spread rumors. Anyone who violates this rule will be severely punished!"
Consort Zhuang suddenly raised her head, her eyes, which always held a look of compassion, now swirling with unconcealed shock!
His Majesty... he actually protected the Shen family like this?!
Saying that one should not listen to or believe everything is nothing but a high-sounding cover-up!
The expressions on everyone's faces were even more subtle.
Both the Imperial Noble Consort and the Imperial Noble Consort are suspects, but His Majesty's difference in their treatment is obvious to anyone who isn't blind.
Recalling what His Majesty was like just now when Xiao Yizi accused the Imperial Concubine, how furious he was?
His gaze was sharp as a knife, his voice stern as he questioned, every word carrying an oppressive sense of impending doom.
However, when concrete evidence against the Xia family surfaced, His Majesty left ample room for maneuver, gently asking the Imperial Noble Consort to explain. After her explanation, he readily accepted her words.
In the end, His Majesty only confined the Imperial Concubine to her quarters, causing her to lose all prestige.
The Imperial Noble Consort remains the esteemed Imperial Noble Consort, holding the Phoenix Seal and acting on behalf of the Empress. Aside from cooperating with the investigation, her movements are not restricted in any way.
Does the bias in this case need to be explicitly stated?
His Majesty's heart is completely swayed by his armpit...
Consort Xuan secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Fortunately, it seems His Majesty did not believe their nonsense.
Consort Su, Consort Yue, and the others didn't even dare to whisper.
It turns out that so-called fairness is so vulnerable in the face of absolute favoritism.
His Majesty's heart has long been blatantly biased.