The Imperial Study.
The birch trees rustled in the summer breeze, bringing a touch of coolness to the sweltering weather.
Changying and two guards stood in front of the Imperial Study. From afar, they could see the imperial sedan chair, which belonged exclusively to the Imperial Concubine, approaching the Imperial Study.
Chang Ying's tense features remained unchanged, but the fingers gripping the sword at his waist twitched slightly. The Emperor's prediction was indeed correct.
The Second Prince's act of throwing Granny Cai into the Consort's palace was tantamount to a blatant provocation, even without concrete evidence.
The Imperial Concubine, however, would certainly not let this go so easily. Before noon, she came to see the Emperor, probably to demand an explanation.
Then Wen Changle led a large group of people to that secluded courtyard, only to find it deserted. Enraged, he immediately had two palace servants serving in the side hall beaten to death.
With a stern face, he ordered his men to search, only to find Helian Ci and Consort Lian outside the Emperor's bedchamber.
Even if she held absolute power in the harem, she could not and dared not act in front of Helian Nie.
But no matter what, we can't let that little bastard Helian Ci be so rampant, and Granny Cai can't just die in vain.
The imperial concubine's palanquin stopped a dozen steps away from the door of the imperial study. Wen Changle, dressed in a red ruqun with begonia-patterned gold trim and exquisite makeup, entered.
Surrounded by palace servants holding parasols to shield her from the sun, she walked gracefully and elegantly to the entrance of the Imperial Study.
"Your subordinates pay their respects to Your Highness, the Imperial Concubine." Changying and the two gate guards bowed to Wen Changle.
"No need for formalities, Chief Guard. I have something to discuss with His Majesty. May I trouble you to inform him for me?"
Wen Changle's charming face was adorned with a calm and composed smile, and her voice was gentle and soft, leaving no room for criticism.
If it were any other guard, setting aside Consort Wen Changle's noble status, the fact that she was one of the most beautiful women in the capital would have been a stark contrast.
Such a beautiful woman's gentle laughter and soft voice are enough to make any ordinary man fall head over heels.
But none of this mattered to Changying, who was always by Helian Nie's side.
"Your Majesty, please wait a moment."
After giving his routine reply, Changying turned and went into the Imperial Study to report.
The harsh tone and tense expression made Wen Changle, who was used to being fawned over, look slightly displeased.
But it was all fleeting; he was just a mere guard. To argue with him would be beneath one's dignity.
Soon, Changying came out of the imperial study, gestured for the two guards to step aside, and then stepped aside respectfully to say,
"Please, Your Majesty."
Despite feeling uncomfortable with Chang Ying's attitude, Wen Changle maintained a proper smile on her charming face, and walked gracefully and calmly into the Imperial Study.
As for the palace servants following Wen Changle, they stepped back a few meters away after Wen Changle entered the imperial study and waited quietly for their master.
Stepping into the Imperial Study, Wen Changle's nerves were on edge, solely because of the man in the crimson dragon robe sitting on the nanmu chair.
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects."
Taking a deep breath and making sure her expression was composed, Wen Changle took a step forward.
He bowed politely to Helian Nie, who was sitting on the nanmu chair, reviewing memorials with a pen, and spoke softly.
Every word and action must be carefully considered.
After a long while, no sound came from Helian Nie to say "no need for formalities".
Beneath Wen Changle's red ruqun dress with gold trim and begonia patterns, her fingers, stained with red cardamom, tightened slightly, yet she dared not utter a single complaint.
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