However, Jian Yang remained completely calm.
She is upright and honest, and she doesn't care what outsiders say.
Moreover, Xiahou Riyue was sent by the emperor, and even the emperor himself wasn't worried. Let those "eunuchs" outside be as anxious as they want.
It's none of her business.
Seeing that Jian Yang did nothing except frown, Zhou Jing'an smiled and said, "If the Empress feels that this matter has caused you trouble, I can help you resolve it."
Seeing his confident smile, Jian Yang said indifferently, "There's no need to trouble Second Brother with such matters. I will handle it myself. Lianxia, see the guest out."
Zhou Jing'an was ruthlessly driven out of Weiyang Palace by Jian Yang, but he was not angry at all. He even said to Lian Xia, "If the Empress needs my help in the future, she can come to me at any time."
As a loyal servant, Lianxia naturally hated whatever Jian Yang hated.
However, she dared not openly disrespect the Second Prince like Jian Yang had, so she simply nodded and said, "This servant will convey the message to the Empress. Second Prince, please take care."
Not long after Zhou Jing'an left, Xiahou Riyue followed closely behind to complete his daily check-in routine.
Jian Yang was already numb to his arrival.
Although she had advised him a few days ago that he didn't have to come every day, Xiahou Riyue was stubborn and inflexible.
He stated that since it was an order issued by the emperor, he would carry it out no matter what.
Jian Yang helplessly shrugged.
From then on, I gave up trying to persuade him.
However, considering the rumors that Zhou Jing'an had just mentioned, Jian Yang felt it was still necessary to avoid suspicion.
So she ordered the palace gates to be opened.
This means that she and Xiahou Riyue can withstand public scrutiny.
As usual, Xiahou Riyue would first exchange a few pleasantries with Jian Yang, then have a cup of tea before leaving.
Just as she had ordered someone to prepare hot tea, she heard Eunuch Zhang's familiar voice coming from outside the palace.
"The Emperor has arrived!"
Jian Yang felt inexplicably flustered and subconsciously looked at Xiahou Riyue.
He was calmly tidying his appearance, preparing to bow to the emperor.
To everyone's surprise, the emperor's first words upon entering were: "What are you doing here?"
When he said this, his eyes showed three parts doubt and seven parts shock, and it didn't seem like he was faking it.
Of course, this was said to Xiahou Riyue.
Xiahou Riyue was also dumbfounded.
He hesitated and said, "It was His Majesty who instructed me to come and pay my respects to the Empress every day. Have you forgotten?"
The emperor's face darkened, and he said coldly, "When did I say such a thing?"
Jian Yang: "???"
Xiahou Riyue: "???"
Xiahou Riyue said, "Seven days ago, I had just come out of the Imperial Study when a young eunuch caught up with me and read out His Majesty's edict. I remember it very clearly. The young eunuch was about six feet tall, with a broad forehead, a square face, and a black mole on the corner of his mouth."
The emperor looked at Eunuch Zhang with suspicion and asked, "Yongfu, do you remember this person?"
As the chief eunuch in the palace, Eunuch Zhang was not only lucky enough to become the emperor's confidant, but he also had some real skills.
That is photographic memory.
He rolled his eyes and tried to recall for a moment, then bowed respectfully and said, "Your Majesty, there are no palace servants in the palace as Lord Xiahou mentioned. Perhaps Lord Xiahou is mistaken."
As a professional criminal investigator, Xiahou Riyue is most sensitive to others questioning his memory and observation skills.
He immediately retorted, "Your Majesty, I could never have misremembered the little eunuch's appearance."
“Lord Xiahou,” Zhang Gonggong also said, “but there is absolutely no palace servant in the palace who matches your description.”
The emperor was getting a headache from the two of them talking back and forth.
He pinched the bridge of his nose and looked at Jian Yang again.
"Your Majesty, please tell me what happened."
Jian Yang suddenly raised her head and said earnestly, "Your Majesty, since I dare to open the palace gates and openly display everything inside, it means that I am upright and have nothing to fear."
"Besides, I am your wife, the empress of a nation. Behind me stands not only the Jian family, but also our country. How could I do anything to bring shame upon us?"
The emperor's initially agitated heart was miraculously calmed by Jian Yang's words, "I am your wife."
He then realized that he had almost lost his mind.
In his opinion, he was not sure whether Jian Yang still had feelings for Xiahou Riyue.
But he still understood Xiahou Riyue's character.
He dares to do such a heretical thing openly; he's either crazy or he's been set up.
After calming himself down, he said to Xiahou Riyue, "I will investigate this matter myself. You don't need to come again in the future."
"Your subject obeys the decree." Xiahou Riyue respectfully bowed to the emperor and Jian Guanzhong, then turned and walked towards the palace gate.
The thought of never being able to come to this palace again filled him with a sense of loss for no apparent reason.
"Your Highness, I just went to the Imperial Household Department to collect my allowance and heard some incredible news." The palace maid Yi Cui ran excitedly to Consort Xian's side, her face full of excitement.
At this moment, Consort Xian was embroidering mandarin ducks with her head down, and the way she threaded the needle looked extremely beautiful and serene.
Without even looking up, she casually asked, "Why are you so happy? What news is it?"
Yi Cui said excitedly, "I heard that His Majesty went to Weiyang Palace today and ran into Lord Xiahou. Lord Xiahou was then kicked out. I wonder if Her Majesty the Empress will have any good days left."
The Consort Xian stopped what she was doing as soon as she heard the word "Emperor" and listened attentively.
After hearing Yi Cui's story, she couldn't hide her joy and smiled, "Let's go to Weiyang Palace and see what's going on."
"This servant will help you change your clothes!"
The thought of the Emperor's presence brought a blush to Consort Xian's face. She said softly, "Go and fetch that pale yellow brocade dress."
Yi Cui covered her mouth and laughed, "This servant understands. May I put on the flower ornaments for you later?"
"You talk too much," Consort Xian said with a smile. "Then hurry up."
A moment later, Consort Xian arrived at Weiyang Palace.
After dressing up carefully, her beauty level increased dramatically compared to usual, causing Jian Yang to exclaim upon seeing her, "I just saw you this morning, how come you've become even more beautiful in less than a few hours?"
Honestly, she truly praised Consort Xian from the bottom of her heart, especially since Consort Xian's pale yellow dress today made her look as tender as a little flower bud.
But Consort Xian interpreted these words in a completely different way.
She felt that Jian Yang was subtly implying that she was scheming.
Especially in front of the emperor.
This made her extremely embarrassed.
Who wouldn't want to leave a naturally beautiful impression on the person they like?
But now, Jian Yang's words have ruined everything.
Although Consort Xian was displeased, she remained as polite and friendly as usual.
She smiled gently and said, "How could my younger sister be as beautiful as my elder sister? I suppose my younger sister has come at an inopportune time, disturbing the Emperor and my elder sister."
Jian Yang waved her hand with a smile: "It's alright. I was just discussing with the Emperor what to have for dinner tonight. We finally decided on hot pot. Would you like to try it, Consort Xian?"
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