sbdcsierra Chapter 1704 What's with all this talk of teaching and guidance?
Chapter 1704 What's with all this talk of teaching and guidance?
"In my actions, I only seek the truth and do not like to implicate the innocent. If the Qin family can truly prove their innocence, you will naturally not have to take the blame for others."
"Take care of yourself during this time."
Consort Qin breathed a sigh of relief.
At least for the time being, the Imperial Noble Consort will not take advantage of her illness to kill her.
She bowed deeply and said, "This concubine thanks Your Highness, the Imperial Noble Consort!"
This is the best result I can achieve so far.
Next, her situation at Shuiyuexuan will not immediately deteriorate to the point where she cannot survive.
The Qin family was able to catch their breath outside and exert their influence in secret.
After this incident, Consort Qin respectfully took her leave.
Han Dan couldn't help but ask, "Your Highness, do you believe that Consort Qin is not the murderer?"
Shen Zhinian gazed in the direction where Consort Qin had left, her eyes deep and unfathomable: "Whether I believe her or not is not important; what is important is that she is useful now."
"If she is truly innocent, the Qin family's power might help us find the real enemy more quickly."
"If she's acting..."
At this point, Shen Zhinian's lips curled into a mocking smile: "Only by keeping her calm can we see where her next move will be."
"Pass on a message to Madam: if the Qin family makes any unusual moves or tries to investigate anything, do not stop them, just keep an eye on them secretly."
Fuqu replied, "Yes."
Consort Qin was one of the few who entered the palace through the imperial concubine selection last year and quickly gained popularity. She came from a distinguished family, held a high rank, and possessed both striking beauty and a captivating personality. Her every move naturally attracted considerable attention.
Those in the palace with keen eyes and ears all knew that Consort Qin had come to Yongshou Palace to request an audience.
However... Yongshou Palace is heavily guarded, and not a word of what the Imperial Noble Consort and Consort Qin discussed behind closed doors has leaked out.
This only added to the mystery, sparking much discussion among the crowd.
Many people treated this as a novel topic of conversation, speculating that the Imperial Noble Consort must have been furious and sent Consort Qin away.
Shen Zhinian was not concerned about the outside turmoil, because Nangong Xuanyu had arrived.
She smiled gently and rose to greet him.
The emperor strode in, and seeing Shen Zhinian gracefully bowing, he stepped forward and personally helped her up.
He gazed at her face for a moment, then asked gently, "How was your day? Did the baby not bother you?"
"Your Majesty, I am well. Thank you for your concern."
Shen Zhinian stood up and walked into the inner room with Nangong Xuanyu: "Your Majesty looks a bit tired. He must have been working hard on state affairs again."
The two sat down on the soft couch by the window, and Fuqu served them hot tea.
Nangong Xuanyu held Shen Zhinian's hand and said slowly, "Today I have received reports from the Prefect of the Capital and the Military Command of the Five Cities. The matter of the rumors can be considered settled."
"The source of those foul words outside has been cleared, and the spreaders have been dealt with according to the law. From now on, no one will dare to speak nonsense and slander you."
"Niannian, you are my Imperial Noble Consort, and the child in your womb is the fruit of my long-awaited love, a blessing for the Great Zhou. I will not allow such nonsense to tarnish your reputation in the slightest!"
"Now that the storm has passed, your reputation and your child's well-being will not be affected. You can rest assured."
With the majesty of an emperor, he cleared away the shadow of rumors for her.
Shen Zhinian looked up and met Nangong Xuanyu's deep gaze.
Whether he believed in his heart or not, that Consort Qin was the mastermind, this swift and decisive action and his unwavering protection were all for her sake.
She naturally understood the emperor's intentions.
A thin layer of moisture quickly welled up in Shen Zhinian's alluring fox-like eyes as she said, moved, "Your Majesty... I... I don't know what to say..."
"These days, the atmosphere outside is tense and turbulent. Although I try to remain calm, how can my heart be completely untroubled?"
"Whenever I think of those cruel words, which even involve our unborn child, I feel restless and unable to eat or sleep..."
As she spoke, her eyelashes trembled slightly, and a single, crystal-clear tear slid down her cheek at just the right moment: "But I know that as long as Your Majesty is here, Your Majesty will never let me and my child suffer any injustice."
"Now that Your Majesty has stood up for me and cleared up the rumors, the weight on my heart has finally been lifted."
"Your Majesty's kindness towards me is etched in my heart. Only by taking good care of myself and safely giving birth to the imperial heir can I repay even a fraction of Your Majesty's kindness..."
Looking into Shen Zhinian's eyes, Nangong Xuanyu saw his own reflection clearly. Listening to her dependent and emotional words, he felt even more that his protection was worthwhile!
He reached out and gently pulled Shen Zhinian into his arms, saying tenderly, "It's good that Nian Nian knows."
"With me here, no one can harm you."
"From now on, Nian Nian only needs to relax, take good care of herself, and give me a healthy and clever child. That would be the best way to repay her."
The candlelight in the inner room flickers red.
The figures of the emperor and empress embracing were elongated by the candlelight and reflected on the screen, like a tranquil painting.
That night, the emperor still rested in Yongshou Palace.
……
The next day.
Chuxiu Palace.
After washing and dressing, Consort Qin applied a thin layer of powder to her face to conceal her haggard appearance, and walked towards the main hall with Lü Ying.
She knew that countless people in the palace were watching her.
Her every move will be magnified, interpreted, and spread.
She went straight to Yongshou Palace yesterday because of the time constraints; today she must pay her respects to the Empress Dowager and make sure to maintain appearances.
Consort Qin waited for a moment under the corridor outside the palace before being led inside.
Consort Kang sat in the main seat and slightly raised her eyes when Consort Qin entered.
Consort Qin stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "This concubine greets Consort Kang, may Your Highness be blessed with good fortune and peace!"
"Please rise, Consort Qin."
Consort Kang did not show her displeasure: "Caiju, prepare a seat for Consort Qin."
"Yes."
Consort Qin sat sideways on the embroidered stool that Caiju had brought, her eyes lowered, and said, "Now that I have moved into Chuxiu Palace, I have come to pay my respects to Your Highness and listen to your teachings."
Consort Kang said slowly, "What do you mean by teaching or not teaching?"
"Chuxiu Palace is deserted; it must be a disservice to Consort Qin."
Despite her noble birth, Consort Qin maintained a humble demeanor: "Your Highness, Consort Kang, you flatter me."
"It is I, a concubine, who have committed a crime and have disturbed Your Majesty's peace and quiet. I am filled with fear and trepidation."
The two exchanged pleasantries, their words consisting entirely of polite formalities. Their tone was calm, without a trace of hostility.
Consort Kang asked Consort Qin a few questions, such as whether Shuiyue Pavilion was lacking anything and whether she was comfortable staying there.
Consort Qin answered respectfully, saying that everything was fine and she dared not trouble Consort Kang.
After a long pause, Consort Kang said gently, "...Consort Qin is young and has a long life ahead of her. Although she has encountered setbacks this time, His Majesty is wise and ultimately remembered their past relationship and Consort Qin's contributions, so he did not investigate further."
"From now on, while you are at Shuiyue Pavilion, you must reflect on your mistakes and behave yourself. Be careful in every word and deed, lest you make another mistake, fail His Majesty's grace, and implicate your family."