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

Chapter 1629 My Patience Is Limited (Bonus Chapter for 204 Million Votes)

"Your Majesty, shall we interrogate the people from Chuxiu Palace?"

Nangong Xuanyu's eyes narrowed slightly.

He was not unaware that the women in the harem were scheming against each other, finding fault with one another, making secret deals, and even using superstitions to achieve their goals.

Consort Kang's actions may stem from some incriminating evidence that Bahargul had in her past, leaving her with no choice but to act in this way.

Perhaps they were simply being used.

Or perhaps... there are other hidden reasons.

However, Bahargul has been dead for so long that the rebel king's followers have long been purged.

Consort Kang has always been well-behaved and dutiful in raising the Fifth Prince, and there has been no news of any unusual behavior.

Right now, Nangong Xuanyu has more pressing matters to attend to.

The illegitimate child in Consort Feng's womb, the adulterer behind Lady Chu, and the even greater filth that Fatu Temple may be hiding...

These are the real threats that shake the foundations of the nation and touch the emperor's sore spot.

Compared to these matters, Consort Kang's old stories are insignificant.

Nangong Xuanyu stopped asking about Consort Kang and asked in a deep voice, "What about the other matter?"

Li Changde immediately said, "Secondly, last year, before Princess Wenshu and the third-ranked scholar Bai Mufeng got engaged, Huichen publicly commented that Princess Wenshu and Bai Hanlin's faces were compatible, indicating that they were destined to be together and a perfect match."

"This news circulated in the capital and also reached the palace, whereupon His Majesty bestowed a marriage upon the two."

"Upon investigation, it was found that Huichen had also accepted a large sum of money when he asked for it that time."

"However, the person who made the contact was extremely cautious, and the money was passed through multiple layers, making it difficult to trace the source of the funds. Huichen also did not know the true mastermind behind this matter."

After listening, Nangong Xuanyu remained silent for a moment.

He noticed this at the time.

Emperors were not entirely devout believers in fortune telling or Buddhist beliefs.

Royal marriages are primarily determined by the political situation and power dynamics.

Nangong Xuanyu was pleased with the relationship between Wen Shu and Bai Mufeng because Bai Mufeng came from a poor family but was exceptionally talented. Promoting him would be beneficial in curbing the power of aristocratic families and supporting new elites.

Wen Shu was gentle and obedient. Marrying such a minister would not only fulfill her wishes but also bring favor to the minister.

As for the idea of ​​a preordained marriage, the emperor initially dismissed it as a folk superstition or a trick used by the Bai family to facilitate the marriage, and did not investigate it further.

Later, the two lived harmoniously after marriage, and he completely forgot about the matter.

In retrospect, it seems that someone deliberately orchestrated this, using Huichen's words to add a touch of destiny to the marriage and to fuel its progress.

Who is it?

Bai family?

Or was it Wen Shu herself?

Nangong Xuanyu's identity cannot be confirmed at this time.

However, the outcome of this matter was beneficial to the country. Wen Shu found a good home, Bai Mufeng was grateful, and the morale of students from humble backgrounds was boosted. Although some methods were used in the process, they were not serious.

Now is not the time to delve into the minutiae.

Nangong Xuanyu got to the point: "...So, Huichen insists that she knew nothing about the scandalous affair in the palace?"

"Yes."

Li Changde affirmed, "The secret guards used every form of torture, but Huichen only admitted to greed and vehemently denied the matter. Judging from his demeanor, it seems he is not faking it."

Nangong Xuanyu snorted coldly: "Of course he wouldn't dare to admit it."

What's your opinion on this matter?

Li Changde carefully considered his words and said, "Your Majesty, I believe that Huichen is greedy and avaricious. If he were to participate in such an important matter, he would surely demand a huge sum of money and would inevitably leave traces."

"However, during the interrogation so far, his confessions and the seized assets all point to ordinary lawsuits and domestic matters, and there are no unusual large sums of money involved."

"It can be believed for the time being that Huichen was indeed unaware of this matter."

Nangong Xuanyu remained silent for a moment: "In that case, let Huichen confront the Chu family and see how she reacts."

Upon hearing this, Li Changde looked troubled and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty is wise. Lady Chu is of a strong and unyielding nature. She endured torture but refused to utter a single word, which shows her resolute will."

"Even if we meet Huichen, if she is determined to hide it, she will probably pretend not to know her or turn a blind eye. Such a confrontation is unlikely to be effective."

Nangong Xuanyu said, "What I want is not her admission; Huichen is the adulterer."

“Under the circumstances, a person’s eyes, expression, or subtle movements will always reveal their thoughts.”

Li Changde's heart skipped a beat, and he said, "This servant is foolish, Your Majesty is wise!"

Nangong Xuanyu then asked, "The news of Huichen's arrest is known throughout the palace. Has Consort Feng shown any unusual reaction recently?"

Li Changde thought carefully and replied cautiously, "Your Majesty, Consort Feng is still recuperating in Ruixue Pavilion. The imperial physicians take her pulse regularly, and the reports still indicate that her pregnancy is unstable, causing her worry and fear."

"This servant has had people keep an eye on things. Consort Feng's diet and medication are normal. She has not inquired about outside news or acted in a panic."

"It seems... she doesn't care about the turmoil at Fatu Temple."

Nangong Xuanyu gave a cold laugh.

If the adulterer is indeed Huichen, then the illegitimate child in Feng's womb is related to Huichen. Now that the adulterer has been caught, and the situation is tense, how can Feng remain calm and focused on protecting her pregnancy?

Could it be that she is so cunning that she can remain unfazed even when Mount Tai collapses before her eyes?

Either Li Changde arrested the wrong person, or Huichen had nothing to do with the scandalous affairs of the palace.

Either... the Chu and Feng families are very good at disguising themselves.

After all, which woman in the deep palace doesn't live behind a mask?

A gentle and kind person may harbor malicious intentions.

Those who are timid and hesitant may be hiding something sharp.

Isn't Consort Kang a prime example?

The emperor suddenly felt a sense of unease.

Li Changde was quick-witted and perceptive, and was adept at taking care of his daily life and conveying his orders.

However, when it comes to the ability to unravel complex cases and adjudicate judgments, he is ultimately no match for Su Quanye of the Censorate.

If Su Quanye were here, he might have already found the truth from the clues.

But the fewer people who know about such a shameful thing, the better.

Although the Imperial Penal Office was directly under the emperor, the relationships within it were complex and intertwined, making it difficult to guarantee that there were no eyes or ears of others.

Emperors do not want any royal scandals to be leaked, even in the slightest way.

Therefore, we can only use Li Changde.

But this progress... is too slow!

Although the northern frontier has been pacified, everything is in need of rebuilding. Water conservancy in the south, trade routes in the west, factional infighting in the court... which of these matters doesn't require the emperor's attention?

The harem has been rife with such sordid affairs, which are both unpleasant and troublesome.

Emperors cannot afford to spend too much time on it.

Nangong Xuanyu called out coldly, "Li Changde!"

Li Changde keenly sensed the change in the emperor's tone and his heart skipped a beat: "This servant is here."

"I will give you ten days."

Nangong Xuanyu's gaze fell on him, his tone heavy: "I demand an answer within ten days!"

"If this matter is still a mess after ten days... then you shall bring your head to me!"

Li Changde's legs went weak, and he knelt down with a thud: "This servant...this servant will do his utmost to live up to Your Majesty's trust!"

"However, this matter is complex and involves many aspects, and the ten-day deadline..."

"Your Majesty, I beg you..."

Nangong Xuanyu interrupted him: "My patience is limited!"

Li Changde knew there was no turning back, so he dared not say anything more and said in a trembling voice, "...This servant obeys the decree!"