Emperor Jingyuan was shocked by this scene and remained speechless for a long time.
Prince Pei Xuan couldn't see it, nor could the highly skilled Jing Hui.
In recent days, the imperial physicians who examined the Empress's pulse have changed batch after batch, and not a single servant in the palace has mentioned this matter.
It is clear that what Jinghui said is true.
The empress's appearance was a divine miracle.
Only he himself, the true dragon descendant of Dayong, could glimpse even a fraction of it.
Throughout history, every emperor has considered himself to be blessed by Heaven and the chosen one of Heaven.
Emperor Jingyuan was no exception.
He accepted this explanation with pleasure, his heart lifted, and his eyes brightened. He asked, "If that's the case, why hasn't the Empress woken up yet?"
Jinghui said, "The Star of Danger is still nearby. If we drive this person away, Her Majesty will recover on her own."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Jingyuan immediately thought of Consort Rong.
She was agitated and behaving erratically just now, as if she were possessed.
Moreover, the Empress's pulse returned to normal as soon as she left, which cannot be explained by coincidence.
Emperor Jingyuan walked out of the palace gate. Two guards were escorting Consort Rong. Pei Tang stared at her with wide eyes, personally watching from the side, afraid that she would rush into the inner room again and disturb the Empress.
Emperor Jingyuan ordered: "Consort Rong shall be imprisoned in the palace until the Empress recovers."
Then, he looked at the bewildered Consort Yun and said, "You go back and reflect on your mistakes in seclusion. You are not allowed to trespass into the Empress's palace again!"
Consort Yun twisted her handkerchief, unable to express her bitterness.
She regretted in her heart why she had followed Consort Rong in this foolish act.
Fortunately, Consort Rong's punishment was much harsher than her own, which made her feel somewhat more at ease.
Just as he was about to apologize and leave, he heard Consort Rong speak up from the side.
"His Majesty."
Consort Rong looked at Emperor Jingyuan with disbelief and unwavering gaze.
Have you seen Her Majesty the Empress?
Throughout history, monarchs have vehemently opposed this disease, regarding it as an ominous sign.
How could Emperor Jingyuan remain unmoved upon seeing the Empress's smallpox infection!
Unexpectedly, Emperor Jingyuan glanced at her indifferently, his expression showing annoyance: "You should just reflect on your own mistakes. The Empress's affairs are none of your business."
The guards stepped forward to drag her away.
Consort Rong, anxious, blurted out, "Her Majesty, the Empress is clearly possessed by evil spirits, which is why she has contracted this illness. Why is Your Majesty showing favoritism?"
Emperor Jingyuan's expression suddenly turned cold: "What did you say!"
Consort Rong broke free from her restraints, knelt on the ground, and appeared dignified and awe-inspiring.
"The eerie presence surrounding Your Majesty will sooner or later bring disaster to the country and harm the nation. Your Majesty, please consider the greater good!"
"An eerie sight?"
Pei Xuan chuckled awkwardly.
"The Imperial Concubine has never seen the Empress Dowager, so how would she know what the Empress Dowager looks like now?"
Consort Rong swallowed hard.
Pei Jin was the one who poisoned the Empress. She naturally knew that the Empress was now covered in smallpox and had a slim chance of survival.
But... she couldn't bring herself to say it.
Consort Rong could only make an excuse: "Your Majesty, I have been having nightmares lately. It is because Heaven has sent me a message in my dream, revealing a secret of Heaven."
"If Your Majesty does not believe me, you may summon the imperial physicians and ministers to verify. I swear on the lives of my entire family, Her Majesty the Empress is definitely guilty!"
Her words were sharp, a stark contrast to her usual docile demeanor.
Not only Emperor Jingyuan, but even her rival Consort Yun was stunned.
Jinghui shook her head and said in a deep voice.
"Your Highness is mistaken. His Majesty is the Emperor of the Great Yong Dynasty. Even if there were a warning from Heaven, it would be directed at His Majesty."
"Otherwise, wouldn't that be like a hen crowing at dawn?"
Emperor Jingyuan was startled.
Indeed, he was almost deceived. How could Consort Rong, a mere woman, be qualified to sense the will of Heaven?
He had witnessed the Empress's condition firsthand, and it was clearly due to his blessings and protection.
Consort Rong, however, twisted the truth, claiming that his Golden Star was an omen of evil!
"This is utter nonsense!" Emperor Jingyuan rebuked angrily.
Consort Rong, undeterred, retorted, "I did not lie. I only wish Your Majesty would glance at the Empress..."
"I am fully aware of the Empress's condition!"
Emperor Jingyuan pointed at Consort Rong, unable to hide his anger.
"It is you who has uttered such arrogant words, not only slandering the Empress but also cursing my empire and its people! In my opinion, you are the one truly possessed by a demon!"
Consort Rong was greatly alarmed.
She couldn't believe that Emperor Jingyuan would be so biased towards the Empress and Pei Xuan, even disregarding ancestral taboos.
After thinking it over, it must be because he didn't know the Empress's true condition.
But the situation is urgent. If she doesn't prove herself now, not only will Pei Jin's plan fail, but she will also offend the Emperor and suffer a complete defeat...
She had no choice but to take a desperate gamble.
Consort Rong gritted her teeth and gave a wink to the little eunuch guarding the door.
This is Pei Jin's spy planted in the Empress's palace, and no one has noticed it yet.
Once the Empress's appearance is revealed to the public, everything will be resolved.
The eunuch understood and immediately shrank back, trying to sneak into the inner room when no one was paying attention.
Before he could take two steps, a sharp shout came from behind him.
"Father, be careful! There's an assassin!"
Pei Xuan had known this man was suspicious, and seeing him acting furtively, he kicked him down the stone steps.
"Father, this servant just quietly approached you from behind."
Emperor Jingyuan glared angrily: "You want to assassinate me?"
The young eunuch had been disguised for several days, thinking he had hidden himself well, but he was caught red-handed by Pei Xuan just as he was about to take action.
He lay prostrate on the ground, begging for mercy.
Pei Xuan was too lazy to waste words: "Drag him out and behead him immediately as a warning to others."
The young eunuch was terrified and screamed, "Your Highness, Consort Rong! Your Highness, save me!"
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