Inside Jingren Palace, Consort Xi, of the Niohuru clan, slumped to the ground, her face ashen. Every word she had uttered during her secret plot with the Empress now felt like a knife stabbing into her heart.
The Empress had asked her to take action, but she declined, citing her lack of power and influence. She thought the Empress's actions were discreet and foolproof, but she never expected that the truth would be exposed so quickly.
"Hongli... my Hongli..." Consort Xi trembled as she covered her face, tears spilling from between her fingers. The Emperor had actually issued an edict ordering Hongli to immediately go to the imperial mausoleum to guard the coffin, and forbidding him from returning to the capital without an imperial decree.
This meant she might never see her son again. She grabbed the palace maid beside her, her voice hoarse: "Quickly, find out! How is the Fourth Prince?"
The palace maid knelt on the ground and answered tremblingly, "Your Majesty, the Fourth Prince has already set off. His Majesty sent imperial guards to escort him personally, saying that... saying that he should reflect on his mistakes."
Upon hearing this, Consort Xi felt as if her heart was being torn apart. She burst into tears, as if the sky had fallen.
Hongli was her only hope, but now he has been exiled to the imperial mausoleum, and his future is uncertain.
She regretted conspiring with the Empress and even more so her wishful thinking that she could reap the benefits without lifting a finger.
"Your Majesty, what should we do now?" the palace maid asked in a low voice.
Consort Xi raised her head, a hint of ruthlessness flashing in her eyes: "Go, find that pair of jade bracelets in the storeroom. I'm going to see the Emperor!"
The palace maid was taken aback: "Your Majesty, the Emperor is currently in a fit of anger, I'm afraid..."
Consort Xi was furious: "I have my own way."
——
Inside Zhongcui Palace, Consort Qi was so shocked to learn that the Empress had been deposed that she almost dropped her teacup.
She has a loud and boisterous personality and doesn't usually pay much attention to palace intrigues, but this incident is truly terrifying.
"The Empress... has been deposed?" She stared wide-eyed at Granny Chang beside her in disbelief.
Granny Chang whispered, "It's absolutely true. Changchun Palace is now empty. Ulanara has been demoted to a commoner and is imprisoned in the cold palace for life."
Consort Qi gasped and quickly stood up: "Quickly, go and call Hongshi here!"
A moment later, the Third Prince Hongshi rushed over. Seeing his mother's flustered expression, he couldn't help but ask, "Mother, what happened?"
Consort Qi grabbed his hand, her voice urgent: "Hongshi, listen to me, don't cause any trouble lately, especially don't provoke your imperial father! The Empress has been deposed, the harem is about to change!"
Hongshi frowned: "The Empress has been deposed? Why?"
Consort Qi shook her head: "I don't know the specific reason either, but I heard it's related to Consort Shu's poisoning. In short, you should behave yourself recently and not give the Emperor any leverage."
Hongshi nodded: "I understand, son."
Consort Qi was slightly relieved, but still couldn't help but remind her, "Also, stay away from Yanxi Palace and don't provoke Consort Shu."
Hongshi smiled helplessly: "Mother, don't worry, your son has no connection with Consort Shu and won't cause any trouble."
——
Inside Yanxi Palace, Lin Yun leaned against a soft couch, gently stroking her slightly protruding belly.
Thanks to the nourishment of the spiritual spring water, her body recovered quickly. After examining her pulse, the imperial physician confirmed that the fetus was out of danger and was now more than four months along with a stable pregnancy.
"Your Highness, this is freshly stewed bird's nest. Please enjoy it while it's hot." Granny Li walked in carrying a delicate porcelain bowl, a pleased smile on her face.
Lin Yun took the bowl, sipped the soup slowly, and felt the warm broth slide down her throat, making her feel warm all over.
"Granny, has His Majesty come today?" she asked softly.
Li Mama smiled and said, "His Majesty sent someone to inquire about Your Highness's condition after the morning court session, saying that he would come to see you later."
Lin Yun nodded, a hint of tenderness appearing in her eyes. The poisoning incident still haunted her; had her body not reacted so strongly, she and her unborn child would have truly perished.
As evening fell, Yongzheng arrived at Yanxi Palace under the twilight. As soon as he entered, his gaze fell on Lin Yun. Seeing that her complexion had improved, his tense expression relaxed slightly.
"Yun'er, how are you feeling today?" He walked to the edge of the bed, sat down, and gently took her hand.
Lin Yun smiled slightly: "I am much better, and the baby is also doing well."
Yongzheng nodded, a hint of heartache flashing in his eyes: "It was my negligence that caused you to suffer."
Lin Yun shook her head: "Your Majesty has already done enough. I am only worried that... the harem will be thrown into turmoil because of this."
Yongzheng sneered: "Turbulence? I'd like to see who dares to stir up trouble again!" He paused, then softened his tone, "Don't worry, I have arranged secret guards inside and outside Yanxi Palace, and I will never allow anyone to harm you and the child again."
Lin Yun felt a warmth in her heart and whispered, "With Your Majesty here, I have nothing to fear."
Yongzheng embraced her, his voice low and firm: "I promise you, I will protect you and your child."
As night deepened, Yanxi Palace was quiet.
After returning to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Emperor Yongzheng finished reviewing the last memorial and rubbed his throbbing temples.
Su Peisheng tiptoed in and whispered, "Your Majesty, Consort Xi requests an audience, saying... she has important matters to report."
Yongzheng frowned: "What is she doing here so late?"
Su Peisheng said cautiously, "Consort Xi said that this matter concerns the Fourth Prince, and she begs Your Majesty for mercy."
Yongzheng sneered, "Let her in."
A moment later, Consort Xi stepped into the hall and knelt down as soon as she entered, her voice choked with sobs: "Your Majesty, I know I was wrong! I beg you to have mercy and let Hongli come back! He is still young, and the imperial mausoleum is bitterly cold; he cannot endure it!"
Yongzheng stared at her expressionlessly: "You know you're wrong? What did you do wrong?"
Consort Xi raised her head, tears streaming down her face: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty, I shouldn't have failed to dissuade the Empress, but I truly did not participate in poisoning Consort Shu! Hongli is innocent as well, I beg Your Majesty to see the truth!"
Yongzheng coldly replied, "Innocent? Hongli going to the imperial mausoleum to guard the tombs was an opportunity I gave him. If he can calmly reflect on his mistakes, I might consider letting him return; if not, then let him stay there for the rest of his life!"
Consort Xi collapsed to the ground, crying out in despair, "Your Majesty! Hongli is your own flesh and blood!"
Emperor Yongzheng waved his hand and said, "You may leave. I am tired."
Niu Niu Hulu and the Empress conspired for nearly two hours, and he didn't believe a word of it was her doing. However, since the Empress had been deposed, it was inconvenient to touch her now.
Su Peisheng quickly stepped forward to help Consort Xi up and whispered, "Your Majesty, the Emperor is in a bad mood today. You should go back now."
Consort Xi staggered out of the Hall of Mental Cultivation. The night wind brushed against her cheeks, and her tears were already cold.
She knew that she had truly angered the Emperor this time, and Hongli's future was likely bleak.
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