Steal my marriage? Turn around and marry the tyrant to take the throne

Chapter 1665 The Emperor Investigates Consort Kang (Bonus Chapter for 205 Million Votes)

She can't die.

At least not now.

Seele gritted her teeth and slowly wiped away the mess of tears on her face.

She got up and walked to the dressing table, where a face with red and swollen eyes was reflected in the bronze mirror.

Seele stared at herself in the mirror, her eyes filled with hatred!

She wants to live!

Only by surviving and lying low can we find a chance to avenge Xingchen!

Seele channeled all her grief into the power of revenge!

As a woman, she couldn't shake the emperor's rule. But as a concubine, she always found a way to make that man pay the price!

Seele took a few deep breaths, opened her makeup box, and started applying makeup again.

The powder concealed her paleness, the rouge added a touch of allure, and the lip rouge defined her lips.

She looked in the mirror, trying hard to curve the corners of her lips into a smile until it looked charming and sweet, before calling out loudly, "Someone come here!"

A palace maid pushed open the door and entered, saying respectfully, "Is Your Highness hungry? I'll have someone bring lunch."

Seele nodded, revealing her usual coquettish demeanor: "Okay."

As the palace maid served her meal, she casually remarked, "My lady, everyone in the palace is talking about Xingchen. He's the first person to be torn apart by five horses since His Majesty ascended the throne."

"It seems His Majesty truly hates the traitors!"

Seele felt a sharp pain in her heart, but she dared not show it on her face. Her eyes flickered with a look of fright: "Stop talking, it's scary."

"His Majesty is wise and has dealt with the traitor. We women in the inner palace should just listen and not dare to say anything more..."

The palace maid said, "I understand, I won't mention it again."

……

The Hall of Nourishing Heart.

Li Changde stood below the imperial desk and respectfully reported, "...Your Majesty, I have had people keep an eye on the discussions, both open and covert, in the palace these past few days."

"Most people say that the rebellious monk Xingchen was good at disguising himself and deceiving the world to steal a reputation. His exposure and execution are truly gratifying!"

Nangong Xuanyu listened expressionlessly.

Xingchen was executed for treason and was also involved with the remnants of the Liu family. Being torn apart by five horses was too lenient a punishment.

"only……"

Li Changde carefully said, "Consort Kang of Chuxiu Palace has been claiming illness ever since the execution of the rebellious monk."

According to her personal maid Caiju, Consort Kang's illness was caused by a miscarriage in her early years, an old ailment that had not yet healed, and the overwork of taking care of the Fifth Prince, which led to her catching a cold.

Nangong Xuanyu's eyes narrowed slightly.

His original suspicions were about the women selected for the palace after his ascension to the throne.

After all, if Xingchen wants to establish a harem, a newcomer is easier to control and better at concealing his intentions.

Consort Kang was a long-time resident of the Prince's residence, having served him for so many years. If she were to have an affair with Xingchen, the timeline seems somewhat inconsistent.

But unfortunately... her illness occurred after Xingchen was torn apart by five horses.

Is it a coincidence?

Emperors never let go of any clue.

Moreover... Consort Kang once used money to get Huichen to help Bahargul get out of the Cold Palace, so she is definitely not a simple person.

At least, she had a way to contact Fatu Temple.

Huichen is also Xingchen's junior brother.

The more the emperor thought about it, the more somber his expression became...

So what if he was an old man who had served him in the prince's residence for many years?

Which woman in the harem doesn't appear gentle, kind, respectful, and frugal on the surface? But who can truly see through her true thoughts?

Lady Chu was also a candidate for the imperial concubines, looking charming and lovely, but what happened to her?

If Consort Kang truly had no connection with Xingchen, why did she fall ill at this crucial juncture?

Is it a genuine physical discomfort, or... a feeling of fear and overwhelming grief?

It is better to believe that it exists than to believe that it does not exist!

"Li Changde."

The emperor said in a deep voice, "The timing of Consort Kang's illness is rather coincidental."

"Although she was a former servant of the Prince's residence, the fact that she was able to get Huichen to exonerate Bahargul shows that she was not entirely without guile."

"What was the situation like at home before Consort Kang entered the Prince's residence? Did she ever have any interaction with Xingchen?"

Li Changde understood that His Majesty had become suspicious of Consort Kang and was going to investigate her thoroughly.

However, investigating this might not be easy...

Li Changde bowed and said, "Your Majesty, Consort Kang was a concubine in the Prince's residence. She came from a family of seventh-rank civil officials, which was not of high social standing. Logically speaking, she should not have had much contact with royal temples like Fatu Temple."

"Moreover, many years have passed since this incident, and personnel changes have occurred. Consort Kang's maternal family has not prospered in recent years, and her former servants have scattered. To investigate the trivial matters that happened in her private quarters back then would likely take some time, and there is no guarantee of obtaining conclusive results..."

Nangong Xuanyu naturally knew that this matter would be difficult to investigate.

It had been six or seven years since Consort Kang entered the Prince's residence; time had long been enough to conceal many traces.

If Consort Kang and Xingchen truly had a past relationship, it must have been kept extremely secret.

The emperor said in a deep voice, "Even if it's difficult to investigate, we must investigate!"

"Slave, you obey!"

Li Changde knew that His Majesty was about to dig three feet into the ground.

Nangong Xuanyu added, "Keep a close eye on Chuxiu Palace. I'd like to know if Consort Kang's illness is real or just a psychological one!"

Li Changde understood immediately: "Yes!"

If Consort Kang truly fell ill because of Xingchen's death, no matter how well she disguised it, she would inevitably reveal her flaws.

Nangong Xuanyu's eyes were icy cold.

Concubine Kang...

If she is truly innocent, this investigation will naturally not harm her in the slightest.

But what if she has something to hide...?

A murderous intent flashed in the emperor's eyes!

……

Yongshou Palace.

Shen Zhinian is nearly four months pregnant.

Because of her slender figure and loose palace attire, she was not noticeable unless you looked closely.

Fuqu came in and reported: "...Your Majesty, the Madam has submitted a memorial to the palace, saying that she wishes to pay her respects to Your Majesty."

Shen Zhinian looked up at Fuqu: "Can you say what's wrong?"

Fuqu said, "Madam did not say so explicitly."

A thoughtful look flashed in Shen Zhinian's alluring fox-like eyes.

Xia Lingshu was shrewd and capable, no ordinary housewife. She managed the Shen family's inner quarters with meticulous thinking and measured actions.

When the imperial edict arrives at the palace at this time, it must mean he has something to say.

Shen Zhinian's curiosity was piqued, and he pondered for a moment before saying, "In that case, I grant your request. Tomorrow at 9:00 AM, please invite Madam to Yongshou Palace for a chat."

"Yes."

Fuqu responded and withdrew to make the arrangements.

The next day.

It's the beginning of time.

Xia Lingshu arrived at Yongshou Palace on time.

Today she wore a brocade jacket with a front opening, paired with a moon-white long skirt. Her hair was neatly styled and adorned with two jade hairpins. Her entire appearance exuded the dignity of a matriarch, yet remained respectful.

Upon entering the inner room, Xia Lingshu respectfully bowed deeply to Shen Zhinian: "This humble woman, Xia, greets Her Highness the Imperial Noble Consort. May Your Highness enjoy boundless blessings and peace!"

"Please rise, Madam."

Shen Zhinian raised her hand in a gesture of support and said with a light smile, "Fuqu, offer Madam a seat and serve tea."

"Thank you, empress."

Xia Lingshu thanked her for her kindness and sat down on the embroidered stool that Fuqu had brought, maintaining a very respectful posture.

Then, the two chatted about everyday things.

Xia Lingshu inquired about Shen Zhinian's daily life and talked about Shen Maoxue's recent situation and household matters, her words full of concern.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, a faint blush suddenly appeared on her face, and her eyes showed a hint of shyness.