Everyone had their own thoughts, but Gao Xiuwen knew very well what her answer meant. The Empress Dowager trusted her a lot, and as long as she spoke, the Empress Dowager would definitely believe her. Therefore, her reply was of utmost importance.
If we follow Lan Rong's lead and identify Su Yushan, then given the Empress Dowager's temperament, she certainly won't let it go easily. The Empress Dowager will definitely take this opportunity to remove Su Yushan from her position as assistant in managing the inner palace, and then she will have a chance to rise to power.
But if she really holds the power to assist in managing the harem, how will Hongli treat her?
Hongli undoubtedly believed in Su Yushan unconditionally. Even if he couldn't protect Su Yushan's position after this incident, he would still dote on her.
As for Gao Xiuwen, she used to be able to occasionally have a meal with Hongli, but it seems that Hongli will never come to Zhongcui Palace to see her again.
Yongcheng has always studied hard, and in the past two years, Hongli's prejudice against him has improved slightly. If Gao Xiuwen angers Hongli at this time, I'm afraid neither she nor her son will have an easy time.
Considering the consequences, Gao Xiuwen composed herself, stood up, and replied.
"Your Majesty, I was indeed present. At the time, Consort Chun said that the matter had been discussed with the Emperor and that the Emperor would inform Your Majesty. As for the statement that 'Your Majesty has no jurisdiction over matters concerning Jingren Palace,' Consort Chun never said that."
Lan Rong, who was waiting to see a good show, was shocked when she heard this. She never expected that Consort Rong would speak up for Su Yushan. What was she thinking? Didn't she want power? Why didn't Consort Rong seize this great opportunity and instead testify for Su Yushan?
Su Yushan was also surprised by this result. Although it was the truth, she was still grateful to Gao Xiuwen for testifying for her.
In the Empress Dowager's view, Gao Xiuwen and Su Yushan were on opposing sides. Even Gao Xiuwen said so, so it must be true.
The Empress Dowager turned to Lan Rong with a surprised look. "What exactly is going on? Consort Rong didn't hear that, yet you're so certain. Consort Xian, I'll ask you one last time. You'd better tell me honestly whether Consort Chun said that sentence or not."
With a slight tremor of her eyelashes, Lan Rong gave an ambiguous and embarrassed smile, saying, "Your Majesty, my memory is not very good, and I can't remember the exact words, but I remember that was roughly the meaning."
When she was exposed during the confrontation, she tried to make amends, but it was too late! Su Yushan wouldn't let her off so easily.
"What do you mean by 'general idea'? It's clearly something you've exaggerated and imagined. You lied to the Empress Dowager, deliberately framed me, and tried to sow discord between me and the Empress Dowager. What are your true intentions?"
Lan Rong had been so certain just now that the Empress Dowager believed her and summoned Su Yushan to reprimand her. Now, however, the Empress Dowager was in such an awkward situation. She knew Su Yushan was innocent, but she didn't want to apologize to her. Just as she was feeling embarrassed, a deep shout came from outside the hall.
"Consort Xian, you truly live up to your title! You have so much free time, stirring up trouble like a gossipy old woman, as if you want to create chaos in the world!"
Upon hearing the familiar voice, Lan Rong was startled and turned around in a panic, only to find that Hongli had appeared at the palace gate. He stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes dark and solemn, staring at her with undisguised disgust.
Feeling guilty, Lan Rong immediately curtsied and greeted him. Hongli sneered, "With someone like you stirring up trouble here, how can I be at peace?"
Lan Rongxin was flustered and said timidly, "Your Majesty, you have misunderstood. I just remembered it wrong. I did not mean to provoke you."
Ignoring her excuses, Hongli glanced at her and snorted coldly, "Whether it was intentional or not, you know perfectly well!"
The Emperor's sudden arrival, without any prior announcement, aroused the Empress Dowager's suspicion. "The Emperor's timing is truly remarkable! Every time Consort Chun comes, the Emperor also arrives. Did you two plan this together?"
The Empress Dowager's sarcastic remarks implied that Su Yushan had sent someone to inform him, but in reality, no one did this time; Hongli's arrival was purely coincidental.
"Your subject comes to pay respects to Your Majesty every three days; this is the custom, and there's no need to consult anyone. To happen to witness this interrogation scene is truly an eye-opener!"
As the Empress Dowager, what was wrong with her interrogating a mere concubine? To avoid her son blaming her again, the Empress Dowager directly shifted the blame to Lan Rong.
"This matter was brought up by Consort Xian, so I should summon the parties involved to get to the bottom of it. What wrong have I done?"
Lan Rong's heart trembled. She thought to herself, "The Empress Dowager just said she would protect her. How could she change her attitude so quickly?"
Knowing that Lan Rong was the culprit, Hongli only wanted to hold Lan Rong accountable, but unexpectedly got into an argument with his mother.
“Your Majesty, it is indeed true that you want to find out the truth. However, Consort Xian has made false accusations and framed Consort Chun. May I ask Your Majesty, how do you intend to punish Consort Xian?”
Now that the evidence is conclusive and Lan Rong was at fault, the Empress Dowager has no way to cover it up. In order to absolve herself of responsibility, the Empress Dowager said righteously, "Consort Xian is lying and should be confined to her quarters for two months."
Hongli was not satisfied with this outcome. "Simply confining her to her quarters is too lenient on her. In my opinion, she should be demoted to the rank of Consort Xian!"
Upon hearing this, Lan Rong was stunned on the spot. She hurriedly lifted her skirt and knelt down to beg for mercy, "Your Majesty, I know I was wrong. I will never dare to speak recklessly again. I am willing to be confined to my quarters, even for three months or half a year. Please, Your Majesty, do not demote me!"
Qiu Cha was so frightened that she hurriedly knelt down behind her master.
Su Yushan thought that Hongli would only confine Lan Rong to her quarters, but she did not expect that he would actually do it this time and demote her rank. This was undoubtedly a bigger blow to Lan Rong.
Faced with Lan Rong's request, Hongli showed no mercy. "You have repeatedly defied Consort Chun. Consort Chun is magnanimous and does not hold it against you, but you do not know how to restrain yourself. Instead, you have become even more outrageous. If I do not punish you severely, won't you cause a huge uproar!"
Knowing that Hongli was angry and wouldn't soften his stance, Lan Rong had no choice but to kneel and move in front of Su Yushan to plead for her mercy.
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