Assistance for the Empress

Emperor: "This palace... it has become a den of schemes. Whoever is behind this will regret underestimating Us."

As the Emperor stood in the hall, deep in thought, an eunuch stepped forward and announced in a loud voice:

"Her Majesty the Empress has arrived!"

The doors opened, and the Empress, dressed in elegant yet understated robes, stepped into the hall. Her usual composure seemed replaced by visible worry. She bowed gracefully to the Emperor. "Your Majesty."

The Emperor nodded in acknowledgment. Nearby, Imperial Noble Consort Xi, though unwilling, lowered herself in respect. "Greetings, Your Majesty."

The Empress gave her a fleeting glance before turning to the Emperor, her eyes filled with concern.

Empress: "Your Majesty, this Concubine came as soon as I heard the news. I hope Noble Lady Hai is safe."

The Emperor nodded slightly, his face still taut with worry. "She is still being treated, but she has passed the most dangerous stage. She will recover."

Before the Empress could respond, Imperial Noble Consort Xi, who had been simmering with anger, raised her head and spoke with an icy tone, "Your Majesty the Empress, as the head of the inner palace, shouldn't you have been the first to arrive here? This Concubine sent word to you about this matter long before informing the Emperor. How is it that you arrived later than the Emperor?"

The Empress turned her gaze toward the Emperor, her eyes suddenly shimmering with unshed tears. But before she could respond, her maid Chun Er stepped forward and knelt before the Emperor.

Chun Er: "Your Majesty, if this Servant may, the Fifth Prince was unwell last night. Her Majesty stayed by his side the entire night without a moment's rest. She was utterly exhausted and had just laid down to take a short nap when Lady Xi's people arrived. This Servant could not bear to wake her, thinking she needed rest after her vigilance. But when Her Majesty discovered the situation, she rushed here immediately. If there is any blame to be had, please place it on this Servant, not on Her Majesty."

The words were delivered humbly, but their implication was clear: the Empress was a devoted mother and ruler who had no ill intent.

The explanation was delivered with sincerity, but it only deepened the tension in the air. Imperial Noble Consort Xi's expression twisted with anger, and her eyes blazed with frustration.

Imperial Noble Consort Xi sneering. "How convenient that even your negligence becomes an act of devotion. It seems those around the Empress always know how to shield her from responsibility."

The Emperor shot Xi a warning glance, but he quickly turned his attention to the Empress, taking her hand in a rare public display of affection. His voice softened as he addressed her.

Emperor: "Empress, you have worked so hard. Staying up all night for the Fifth Prince and now rushing here despite your exhaustion—you have truly suffered."

The Empress turned her teary gaze to the Emperor, shaking her head lightly.

Empress: "This is your Concubine's fault, Your Majesty. I failed to fulfill my duties as head of the inner palace. Please punish me as you see fit."

Emperor spoke to the Empress in a tender voice. "There is no reason to punish you, Empress. You are always looking after the children and the palace. We did not know the Fifth Prince was unwell. You should have informed Us."

The Empress shook her head, her expression warm and self-sacrificing.

Empress: "Your Majesty, as long as you still think of your Concubine and place me in your heart, nothing else matters. The children and the palace are my responsibilities."

Imperial Noble Consort Xi, who had been silently fuming at the exchange, felt her disgust rise to new heights. Her inner thoughts boiled with contempt. "Shameless woman. Someone lies inside, fighting for her life, and yet all this woman can think about is seducing the Emperor with her pitiful act. Despicable!"

The silence was broken by the sudden emergence of the Imperial Physician from the inner chamber. Everyone turned to him expectantly.

Imperial Physician spoke, "Your Majesty, Noble Lady Hai has regained consciousness. Her condition is still delicate, but she is no longer in immediate danger."

The words had barely left his lips when Imperial Noble Consort Xi surged forward, her expression transforming into one of urgency and relief.

"She's awake?" Without waiting for a response, Imperial Noble Consort Xi rushed toward the inner chamber, her robes fluttering behind her. The Emperor's eyes followed her for a moment before he released the Empress's hand and strode quickly after Imperial Noble Consort Xi, leaving the Empress standing alone in the hall.

The Empress's lips pressed into a thin line, her earlier warmth vanishing as she watched the Emperor disappear into the bedchamber without sparing her another glance.

Chun Er, sensing her displeasure, whispered softly, "Your Majesty, perhaps it is better to remain here and avoid appearing too eager."

The Empress regained her composure and calmly nodded.

Inside the dimly lit room, Noble Lady Hai lay on the bed, her face pale and her breathing shallow, but her eyes were open. Her gaze shifted toward the door as Imperial Noble Consort Xi burst in, followed closely by the Emperor.

Imperial Noble Consort Xi rushed to Noble Lady Hai's side. "Yunyao! You're awake. Thank heavens!"

Emperor also expressed his concerns, "Noble Lady Hai, how are you feeling? Can you speak?"

Jiang Yunyao's lips trembled as she attempted to sit up, but Imperial Noble Consort Xi gently pressed her back down. "Don't move. You're too weak."

Jiang Yunyao turned her gaze to the Emperor, her voice hoarse and barely above a whisper, "Your Majesty... someone tried to kill your Concubine."

The Emperor's expression turned icy as he asked, "You believe this was intentional?"

Jiang Yunyao nodded weakly, her breathing labored and voice barely audible, "Your Majesty... your Concubine has been framed... for the First Prince's poisoning... They want to silence me before I can prove my innocence."

The Emperor's hands clenched into fists, his voice low and dangerous, "Rest now, Noble Lady Hai, and don't worry about anything else. We will get to the bottom of this."

The Emperor turned to the Imperial Physician. "Make sure she recovers. Her life must not be in danger again."

The physician bowed deeply. "Yes, Your Majesty. This Official will do everything in my power."

The Emperor glanced at Imperial Noble Consort Xi.

"Take good care of her. We will deal with the rest."

With that, he strode out of the chamber.

Back in the hall, the Empress awaited, her expression calm yet worried. She rose as the Emperor entered.

Empress: "Your Majesty, how is Lady Jiang?"

The Emperor's tone was curt, his patience wearing thin. "She is awake, but is weak."

The Empress curtsied gracefully.

Empress: "Noble Lady Hai is blessed by the heavens, Your Majesty. This humble one believes she will recover in no time."

The Emperor spared her a brief glance before leaving. As the Empress straightened, her serene expression faltered, and a flicker of malice crossed her eyes.

As the Emperor prepared to leave, she spoke with gentle urgency. "Your Majesty, this concubine will ensure that the inner palace is managed properly. Rest assured, I will thoroughly investigate this matter and bring justice to Lady Jiang." She lifted her gaze to meet the Emperor's eyes, seeking his approval.

The Empress's expression was calm, yet her fingers tightened slightly around the silk handkerchief in her hand.

The Emperor, who had already taken a few steps toward the exit, halted at her words. His expression remained unreadable as he turned back to look at her. "There is no need for you to trouble yourself over palace matters any longer."

The hall fell into stunned silence. The Empress's breath caught in her throat, and her fingers clenched tightly around the embroidered handkerchief in her palm.

Empress: "Your Majesty… what do you mean?"

The Emperor's voice was calm but authoritative, leaving no room for negotiation.

Emperor: "From now on, Imperial Consort Chun will assist you in managing the harem."

A sharp chill ran through the Empress's veins. The words struck her like a sudden slap, yet she could only maintain her outward composure.

Empress struggled to maintain her composure as she spoke, "Your Majesty, your Concubine understands your anger regarding recent events, but I am the Empress, the mother of the nation. How can I let someone else handle the affairs of the harem? This is my duty."

Her voice trembled slightly, both in disbelief and indignation. She had carefully maintained her control over the harem for years, ensuring that no other concubine could truly challenge her authority. And now, with just a few words, the Emperor was stripping her of her power.

Emperor spoke coldly, "Empress, your duty is to take care of yourself and the Fifth Prince."

The Empress's lips parted slightly in shock. She tried to reason with him, her voice carrying a hint of desperation. "Your Majesty, this Concubine has been managing the inner palace for years without fail. There is no need for anyone else to interfere. If you are displeased with how I have handled matters, this Concubine is willing to correct—"

The Emperor raised a hand, cutting off her plea. "This is not a punishment, Empress. It is for your well-being. You have been occupied day and night taking care of the Fifth Prince. I do not wish for you to overexert yourself and harm your health. Until the Fifth Prince recovers, you need only focus on yourself and him. The affairs of the harem are no longer your concern."

The Empress clenched her jaw, struggling to suppress the panic rising in her chest. She opened her mouth to protest further, but before she could speak, the Emperor had already turned away and without looking back, he said, "Take care of yourself, Empress. That is all I ask of you."

His words, though seemingly filled with concern, were an unmistakable decree. The Empress clenched the handkerchief in her hands so tightly that her nails nearly tore through the delicate fabric.

Empress spoke softly, struggling to keep her voice steady, "Your Majesty…"

But the Emperor had already turned away.

Emperor: "We have memorials to review. We are busy."

With those final words, he strode away, his dragon robes billowing behind him as he made his way back to Qianqing Palace.

The Empress took a step forward, reaching out as if to stop him.

Empress: "Your Majesty! Your Majesty—!"

Her desperate call echoed in the corridor, but the Emperor did not stop. He did not turn around.

He simply walked away and his figure disappeared beyond the palace gates, leaving behind only the Empress standing alone in the hall, her outstretched hand trembling slightly before she slowly lowered it.

The Emperor had dismissed her authority.

The Emperor had abandoned her.

The Empress's nails dug into her palms, her knuckles turning white as she struggled to suppress the burning humiliation and fury rising within her. She had just been stripped of her power in the harem—reduced to nothing more than a mother tending to her son.

From behind, Chun Er hesitantly whispered cautiously, "Your Majesty, please calm yourself…"

The Empress took a deep breath and slowly turned around. Her face was calm once more, the turmoil within buried beneath an elegant mask.

She smiled coldly. "Imperial Consort Chun, is it? Let's see how long she lasts."

Chun Er, standing nearby, noticed the way her mistress's hands clenched into fists beneath the long sleeves of her robes.

Chun Er spoke in a soft tone, "Your Majesty… please do not be angry. Perhaps His Majesty was only thinking of your health…"

The Empress slowly turned her head, her lips curving into a cold, humorless smile. "Thinking of my health? Or simply trying to weaken me?"

Her gaze flickered toward the direction the Emperor had disappeared.

And for the first time in many years, a deep, gnawing sense of crisis settled within her heart.

A long, suffocating silence followed.

Chun Er stepped closer cautiously and whispered to the Empress, "Your Majesty… shall we return?"

The Empress remained still for a long moment before finally exhaling slowly, forcing a small, composed smile. "…Let's go."

Despite her calm facade, her grip on the handkerchief was so tight that the embroidered fabric crumpled between her fingers.

Inside the quiet inner chamber of Willow Courtyard, Imperial Noble Consort Xi sat in silence, her brows furrowed with worry as she watched over Jiang Yunyao.

Meanwhile, Xiuxia who had been helping adjust the blankets, couldn't contain her excitement any longer. She leaned close to Imperial Noble Consort Xi, her voice filled with barely concealed glee, "Mistress, did you see? His Majesty seems to finally be suspecting the Empress. He took away her power to manage the harem and handed it to Imperial Consort Chun! This is the first time His Majesty has ever openly questioned the Empress's authority!"

Her tone was full of suppressed excitement, as if she had just witnessed the first crack in the Empress's long-standing reign over the palace.

However, before she could continue, Imperial Noble Consort Xi immediately hushed her, placing a warning finger to her lips.

Imperial Noble Consort Xi whispered sharply. "Lower your voice! Yunyao has just fallen asleep. Do you want to disturb her?"

Xiuxia stiffened, realizing her mistake, and quickly covered her mouth with her hands. She glanced nervously at the sleeping Jiang Yunyao, afraid that her careless words had woken her.

Seeing Xiuxia fall silent, Imperial Noble Consort Xi sighed, rubbing her temples. She knew that the Emperor's actions tonight were significant, but they were far from enough.

The Empress was not someone who would take such humiliation lightly. If the Emperor truly intended to deal with her, he would need to act decisively. A mere change in palace management was nothing more than a slight slap on the wrist.

Just as Imperial Noble Consort Xi was lost in her thoughts, she failed to notice a soft movement from the bed.

For a fleeting moment, Jiang Yunyao's lips curved into the faintest of smiles, barely noticeable in the dim candlelight.

It was a subtle, knowing smile, one that Imperial Noble Consort Xi and Xiuxia did not see—but if they had, they would have realized that Jiang Yunyao had been awake all along.

Jiang Yunyao had heard everything.

And from the way her delicate fingers lightly brushed against the bracelet on her wrist, it was clear—she had been waiting for this moment.

The farce in the palace had finally begun.