Xue Shu's expression changed slightly. At that time, the scene was chaotic, and she only vaguely realized that she was being pushed by someone, but she did not see who it was.
In the palace, it is most taboo to speak without evidence. Therefore, Xue Shu bit her lip and knelt on the ground: "Your Majesty, it was an accident, not something I did on purpose. Moreover, with Your Majesty's protection, the Consort and the young prince will surely be safe and sound."
"Hmph." Shen Lang didn't give her a kind look.
This was only because Consort Qin was not seriously injured. If Consort Qin's pregnancy had not been saved, not only Xue Shu, but also the other innocent companions would probably have been implicated.
After all, Shen Lang has no children to this day and is also facing the threat of the Empress Dowager appointing the Crown Prince as the successor to the throne.
"The matter of the imperial heir is of utmost importance. You are all princess companions who have been selected in terms of talent, appearance, and manners. You cannot shirk your responsibility for what has happened. Xue Shu, I hereby punish you by confining you to your quarters for three months and forbidding you from entering the palace. Do you accept this?" Shen Lang said coldly, pinching Qin Guifei's soft, boneless hand.
This minor punishment serves two purposes: firstly, it shows that Xue Shu is the Empress Dowager's person, and it can be considered a warning to her.
Secondly, his precious Consort Qin disliked Xue Shu, so she told her not to see her until the pregnancy was stable.
Three months? By then, all the accompanying courses will be finished!
Most importantly, who knows how far Jiang Xuening and You Yue will develop their relationship with Shen Jie in these three months!
Xue Shu knelt there, head bowed, in unwilling silence.
Seeing her defiant demeanor, which was exactly like that of the Duke of Dingguo, Shen Lang's tone grew even colder: "What, you're unwilling?"
This time, he was truly angry.
How could a young lady from a respectable family adopt the domineering and overbearing behavior of the Duke of Dingguo? Does she really think that because the Empress Dowager is backing them up, they can look down on everyone else?
Xue Shu naturally sensed the displeasure in Shen Lang's tone, and her heart skipped a beat. She dared not pretend to be mute any longer: "This subject understands. Please allow this subject to go and say goodbye to her aunt."
She called her "aunt" instead of "Empress Dowager," probably to remind Shen Lang of something.
However, Shen Lang completely ignored her. "No need. Let's leave the palace now. I'll talk to the Empress Dowager myself later."
Xue Shu, "..."
Chu Yuan and Jiang Xuening didn't care how unwilling she was to leave. They exchanged a glance and were secretly pleased that their days in the palace would be much more peaceful from now on.
Both of them knew that the girl in the handkerchief in Shen Jie's eyes was actually Jiang Xuehui. Shen Jie himself already knew as well. He was afraid that by the time Xue Shu's confinement was lifted, their love would be stronger than gold.
A few days passed in the blink of an eye.
On the morning before Yan Lin's coming-of-age ceremony, Yan Mu announced at the morning court that he wanted to hold a banquet for his son. The emperor was in a good mood these days because of Consort Qin's pregnancy, and readily agreed. He also casually selected the princess, Prince Linzhi, and others to represent the royal family to attend, creating a joyous atmosphere.
At noon, Yan Mu sent someone to send out the invitations.
At this time, Yan Ling had not yet returned. Xie Wei had secretly dealt with Gong Chengyi and successfully obtained half of the letter from him. However, he did not know what had happened to Yan Ling and had not heard from her for a long time.
Just as everyone was worried about Yan Ling, Duke Xue Yuan of Dingguo made his move!
He rushed into the palace and, on the grounds of unusual activity in the Tongzhou military camp, impeached Yan Mu.
"Your Majesty, Yan Mu has been expanding the Yan family army for many years, but he never proclaims the Emperor's favor. Instead, he has made the generals of the Yan family army know only Yan Mu and not the Emperor. This is clearly a sign of disloyalty! If Your Majesty does not punish the Yan family army and Yan Mu for this, I fear that you will be raising a tiger that will cause trouble in the future!"
Accompanying the Duke of Dingguo to the Emperor was a military officer.
Helping Xue Yuan, they exposed the Yan family army's disrespect for the emperor: "Your Majesty, what Duke Xue said is all true. A few days ago, General Yan was assassinated and wounded. Some generals in the army speculated that it was Your Majesty's doing, saying that Your Majesty intends to discard the Yan family army after they have served their purpose. Rather than waiting to be killed, it would be better... better..."
What followed was too treasonous for the adjutant to say.
But his stammering and evasive manner only fueled Shen Lang's anger.
"What are you saying? Tell me the truth!" Shen Lang slammed his hand on the dragon throne and coughed a few times.
The adjutant trembled and prostrated himself on the ground, saying, "Your Majesty, I dare not utter a single lie."
They said that the emperor was already terminally ill and had at most two or three months left. When the Prince of Linzhi ascended the throne, given his indecisive nature, he would have no chance of intimidating the various feudal lords.
The Prince of Pingnan's faction is eyeing Jinling covetously and holds a powerful army. Rather than being slaughtered by the Prince of Pingnan's army marching north, it is better to make plans early.
Whether the Yan family army dominates the world, or they cooperate with the Prince of Pingnan who commands elite troops and generals, both are good choices..."
"Insolence! Cough cough—" Before the adjutant could finish speaking, Shen Lang was already so angry that he was about to have an asthma attack.
The Duke of Dingguo stood to one side, hands clasped together, looking calm and collected, a faint smile playing on his lips.
The adjutant was actually a spy planted in the Yan family army by the Prince of Pingnan. He was instructed by the Prince of Pingnan to deliberately stir up trouble in the capital.
As for the Duke of Dingguo, it's not surprising that he prioritizes his own interests and would cooperate with the Prince of Pingnan.
As the adjutant finished speaking, Shen Lang was so angry that his face turned red. Then, the Duke of Dingguo took out an envelope from his pocket.
"Your Majesty, I am not slandering Marquis Yan without any evidence; I have solid proof."
This letter was accidentally discovered in the study of Marquis Yan by a chiliarch of Xingwu Guard who was on good terms with the Prince of Yan and was visiting the Yan residence.
Upon reading the letter, he sensed something amiss and handed it to me. After examining it closely, I was so frightened that I broke out in a cold sweat on the spot!
This is actually a letter exchanged secretly between the Marquis of Yan and the Prince of Pingnan, Your Majesty!
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