The Imperial Concubine Yi became increasingly arrogant, and she went on to harm the imperial heirs like a madwoman. He didn't understand, wasn't revenge enough?
Now there's no need to understand anymore. This venomous snake can no longer be near Xi'er. The emperor's gaze softened as he looked at Bai Lingxi's belly. This little fool probably doesn't even know she's pregnant.
He will protect their child.
He will settle scores with the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and the Imperial Noble Consort Yi one by one.
"Consort Yi is unable to distinguish right from wrong, distorts the truth, slanders Consort Rong, and defames the Emperor. She is hereby temporarily confined to Yong'an Palace for three months to await further judgment."
"The Empress is guilty of the same crime, but considering it is her first offense, she is to be confined to the Phoenix Palace for one year."
Two consecutive punishments demonstrated the Emperor's attitude; this Consort Rong was not to be underestimated, and everyone made their own assessment.
"Your Majesty, you punish two high-ranking concubines for the sake of a mere concubine! What do you expect the people to think of you?!" The Empress Dowager stood up from her seat, furious.
"Your Majesty, you should rest now. Your son will not disturb you any longer." The Emperor left with Bai Lingxi, but as they approached the door, he seemed to remember something. "By the way, Your Majesty is not well. The other concubines need not come either, lest they disturb the Empress Dowager's peace."
"Emperor—" the Empress Dowager drawled, but could not be called back.
The other concubines could not disobey the emperor's decree, and seeing this awkward scene, they all took their leave.
——————
"Your subject greets Your Majesty."
A man dressed in red stood out, exceptionally beautiful and captivating, his beauty unrestrained and flamboyant. He had deep-set eyes with an exotic flair, and a robust physique that did not appear effeminate.
Bai Lingxi looked at it curiously, her bright eyes sparkling, making her quite beautiful.
The Seventh Prince was captivated by her every smile and gesture, but she was his father's concubine. Thinking of this, the Seventh Prince's eyes darkened.
The emperor was oblivious to the covetous look in the seventh prince's eyes; his entire focus was on Bai Lingxi's belly, fearing that the commotion would harm the child.
At this moment, he looked at Bai Lingxi's lively appearance with amusement, put his arm around her slender waist, and thought that their child would be born soon. Zhou Jin's heart was burning with excitement, and he completely ignored the Seventh Prince beside him.
The seventh prince, Zhou Changling, had no choice but to speak up and remind him: "Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty."
Zhou Jin then noticed that his seventh prince was still kneeling on the ground and said, "No need for formalities."
Zhou Jin: "How did you end up in the palace?"
"Father, it's about the floods in Jiangnan. I have important matters to report." The Seventh Prince turned his gaze to Bai Lingxi beside him, his meaning clear: the harem should not interfere in politics.
"It's alright. This is your mother, Consort Rong. I'll take her back first. You go to the side hall of the Taiji Palace and wait for me in the Imperial Study." Zhou Jin put his arm around Bai Lingxi and left, with the ceremonial guard moving in a grand procession.
Watching the two figures disappear into the distance, Zhou Changling's eyes flashed with surprise, astonishment, pain, and a chilling light that was so fleeting that it was hard to believe it was an illusion.
She looked at him with some concern: "Sir, are you alright?"
Zhou Changling's mother was killed by Consort Yi, and Zhou Changling will never let the Bai family off the hook.
But thinking of that lively and charming woman from earlier, Zhou Changling felt only regret. You were born into the wrong family. If you weren't a member of the Bai family, I would have spared your life. Now, I'm afraid you can't be spared.
"It's nothing, let's go!" The two of them returned the way they came, but Zhou Changling couldn't shake the image of those clear and captivating eyes from his mind, leaving a mark on his heart.
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