Chapter 123 Imperial Edict from Consort Jin
Chang Shun's heart skipped a beat. He pondered how to inform the Emperor and quickly bowed in response.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
After giving the instructions, Jiang Nan's gaze returned to Nara, with a scrutinizing look.
With the help of her maids, Empress Nara knelt down again, this time touching her head to the ground with even greater devotion.
"This humble servant... thanks Your Majesty for your grace, thanks Your Majesty for upholding justice for this humble servant and my unborn child."
Jiang Nan gently stroked her swollen belly, her tone calm yet carrying an invisible pressure.
"Nara, it is my duty to assist in managing the six palaces, eliminating treacherous officials, and maintaining peace in the palace. It is not something I did specifically for you."
Jiang Nan changed the subject, a hint of interest in her voice.
"However, you are right about one thing. I am also curious, in this harem, how can there be anyone who dares to disregard my words? I have said that the harem must behave itself. Now, someone is brazenly using such despicable means to harm the imperial heir right under my nose..."
A mocking smile appeared on Jiang Nan's lips.
Is it because she's about to give birth and doesn't have the energy?
However, thanks to her amazing physical condition, she is in great spirits every day.
"This is indeed something that makes me very unhappy."
She leaned forward slightly, but her imposing aura remained undiminished, as if it could penetrate one's heart.
"So, Lady Nara, you risked your life today to hand this petition to me, hoping to use me as a weapon to avenge your family... I will grant your request."
Nara looked up, her eyes revealing the fear of being seen through.
Jiang Nan slowly sat back in the main seat and waved her hand.
"You don't need to be afraid. If I cared, I would have sent you back to Yanxi Palace to fend for yourself long ago. I see that you are indeed pitiful, so just watch and see what this life in your belly can bring you."
Nara kowtowed deeply once again, this time with fear of Consort Jin.
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Zhao Deyi, with a solemn expression and steady steps, led several capable eunuchs into Yanxi Palace.
The slight noise in the courtyard stopped abruptly in an instant.
He stood in the courtyard, his gaze calm yet imposing as he swept over the palace servants who were rapidly gathering, without speaking immediately.
A eunuch accompanying him understood, stepped forward, and announced in a clear but stern voice.
"Her Highness Consort Jin has issued an edict that all staff and servants of Yanxi Palace must immediately wait quietly in the courtyard to listen, and must not delay."
The palace servants held their breath and stood in order with their heads bowed, not daring to be negligent in the slightest.
With the help of her personal maid Qingzhu, Lady Wanliuha walked briskly out of the west wing.
He forced himself to remain calm.
Wang Deyong stumbled forward, bending low, his face beaming with smiles.
"Eunuch Zhao, what brings you here? If you have any orders, you could just send a servant to relay them. How could I dare trouble you to come in person..."
Zhao Deyi didn't say anything, but slowly raised his hand and tapped Wang Deyong's hat brim with his knuckles, making a soft sound.
Wang Deyong stopped abruptly, his body stiffening.
"Manager Wang."
Zhao Deyi spoke, his voice neither too loud nor too soft.
"Her Highness Consort Jin has issued an imperial edict. Would you rather kneel down and listen carefully, or should I help you wake up?"
Wang De's face turned pale, and he knelt down with a thud, followed by a chorus of thuds behind him.
Wanliuhashi was also helped by Qingzhu, and slowly bent her knees.
Zhao Deyi then dusted off his sleeves with satisfaction and spoke.
"By imperial decree, Consort Nara of Yanxi Palace was injured in a collision on the palace road today, resulting in damage to the imperial heir. This is a grave crime of plotting against the imperial offspring. The Empress is furious and will personally investigate the case immediately."
He paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping over Wanliuhashi and Wang Deyong.
"Her Majesty said this is a slap in the face to the Emperor, and also a slap in the face to Yongshou Palace. Everyone in Yanxi Palace, from top to bottom, must come with us to Yongshou Palace to await Her Majesty's questioning."
He held up three fingers and counted slowly.
"Pretending to be sick to avoid coming is considered a sign of guilt and disobedience to the imperial decree."
"Those who dawdle and procrastinate are considered accomplices in procrastination."
"Winking and whispering on the way is considered collusion."
With each statement he made, he bent one finger, and finally clenched the last three fingers into a fist.
"If you are exposed to any of these three things, you will be beaten to death."
Fearful sobs could be heard from those kneeling below.
Wanliuha felt a chill rise from the bottom of his heart.
Qingzhu trembled with fear and whispered a warning.
"master…"
Wanliuha suddenly turned around and glared at her, his eyes so fierce they were frightening. Qingzhu immediately shut her mouth.
Zhao Deyi saw this, sneered, walked over to Wan Liuhashi, and bent down.
"Master Wanliuha, you don't look well. Did you not sleep well last night, or are you worried about something?"
Wanliuha stared at the bluestone slab in front of him without saying a word.
Zhao Deyi straightened up, no longer looking at her, and turned to look at Wang Deyong.
His tone remained calm, yet carried an unquestionable air.
"Steward Wang, please rise. Please count the number of people immediately, making sure no one is missed, and then come with me to Yongshou Palace."
Wang Deyong quickly kowtowed in response.
"Yes, sir!"
When he stood up, fine beads of sweat had already seeped from his forehead.
Zhao Deyi turned to Wan Liuhashi, who had risen, and bowed slightly, his manners impeccable yet distant.
“Master Wanliuha, please come with me.”
With Qingzhu's help, Wanliuha slowly stood up, her face somewhat pale, and she nodded slightly.
"Thank you for your trouble, Eunuch Zhao."
There wasn't much emotion in his voice.
Zhao Deyi said no more, but simply stepped aside to make way and gestured for him to proceed.
The eunuchs from Yongshou Palace silently dispersed and stood at the courtyard gate and key intersections.
This has created a regulatory momentum invisibly.
In the solemn atmosphere of Yanxi Palace, no one dared to whisper to each other; they could only walk out in silence in order.
Zhao Deyi stood still, watching the group until the last person walked out of the palace gate.
He then took a step and followed at the back of the group.
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After Zhao Deyi returned to Yongshou Palace, he arranged for the palace servants of Yanxi Palace to kneel in the front courtyard.
He then returned to the side hall and reported to Jiang Nan, who was sitting upright.
"Your Majesty, everyone in Yanxi Palace is kneeling in the courtyard waiting for you."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Nan turned her gaze to Nara, whose face was pale, and spoke in a calm tone.
"Now that everyone is here, Lady La, you may come with me to take a look."
After saying that, she slowly got up, with Fangruo and Chunlan carefully supporting her on either side.
He had just stepped out of the palace gate when he was blocked by Lady Daijia.
With a mixture of curiosity and unease on her face, Dai Jia asked in a low voice.
"Your Majesty, what's going on this time? I heard the commotion from the East Side Hall."
Jiang Nan glanced at her, her tone slightly teasing.
"So young, yet already showing signs of wanting to watch the excitement."
Daijia wanted to act coquettishly, but she immediately fell silent when her gaze fell on Nara, whose palace dress was stained with blood.
She knew in her heart that something had happened to the dragon fetus.
Jiang Nan had no intention of explaining further to her, and was helped to sit down on a soft chair that had been prepared.
Nara was also placed on a stool slightly to the side.
Chunlan quietly brought a thin blanket and gently covered Jiang Nan's knees.
Jiang Nan didn't ask any questions, but simply tilted her head back slightly, squinted her eyes, and felt the not-too-scorching spring sunshine.
It was as if she was just out to bask in the sun.
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