mtlumby2d Chapter 1708 What Did the Qin Family Find Out? (Bonus Chapter for 282 Million Reward Points)
Chapter 1708 What Did the Qin Family Find Out? (Bonus Chapter for 282 Million Reward Points)
Nangong Xuanyu always said he loved her, but Shen Zhinian felt that the person he loved most was himself.
His so-called love for her stemmed from his deep-seated suspicion and high position. Coupled with a lack of love in his childhood, this led to a paranoid yet love-craving personality—a complex and conflicted one.
Because she could read his mind and seemed to be thinking of him. While satisfying his pride, she could also alleviate his unspoken frustration.
Furthermore, Nangong Xuanyu did not believe that she was smarter than him.
He always felt that her appropriate concern for him stemmed from her unwavering love for him.
They all had difficult childhoods, which makes it relatable.
Therefore, when Shen Zhinian heard that Nangong Xuanyu had favored Consort Mei, she was not surprised at all, let alone sad or jealous.
She once said that a man would only truly behave and stop causing trouble when he becomes a cold, lifeless memorial tablet in an ancestral hall.
It seems that even if a man becomes a memorial tablet, he may not necessarily be obedient. Otherwise, there wouldn't be a saying: "To die beneath the peony flower, even as a ghost, is still romantic."
What's etched into your bones is hard to change, even in death.
It's good that it's like this now.
Shen Zhinian was the only concubine in the harem who was six months pregnant, which annoyed countless people.
Envy, jealousy, scheming, cursing...
Tonight, Consort Mei is favored by the emperor, which instantly attracts some of those who are spying and scheming.
Those concubines whose minds were wavering were probably all thinking about how to emulate Consort Mei and regain the Emperor's favor.
By having Consort Mei draw some of the fire, Yongshou Palace can be more peaceful, and Shen Zhinian can spend these months more peacefully.
The next day.
The gifts from the Imperial Household Department flowed into Xianfu Palace like a river.
Silks, jewels, and precious ornaments... though not exceeding the prescribed limits, each piece was exquisite, a testament to the emperor's favor.
Seeing the glory that Consort Mei had gained, the other concubines in the harem who had been longing for her suddenly became eager to try something new.
There were people who envied, were jealous of, and fawned over Consort Mei.
On the palace roads that the emperor might pass through, the number of times his concubines "accidentally" bumped into him quietly increased.
Compared to the bustling activity in other parts of the harem, Yongshou Palace was much quieter.
Shen Zhinian focused on her pregnancy and rarely went out except for necessary palace duties and walks in the courtyard.
The palace servants also became increasingly cautious and discreet in their actions.
One after another, the emperor began to visit other concubines.
He occasionally stayed overnight at the residences of Consort Xuan and Consort Xian.
Consort Su, Consort Yue, and others also received favors once or twice.
The newly arrived noble ladies and concubines, like parched land receiving timely rain, seized this rare opportunity.
However, Consort Mei still stood out from the crowd, having served the emperor the most times.
For a time, Xianfu Palace became the most sought-after place in the inner palace.
Consort Mei was beaming with joy, her eyes sparkling with delight.
Even because Shen Zhinian was pregnant and unable to serve the emperor, her popularity at certain times seemed to overshadow that of Yongshou Palace...
Time, in this delicate balance, quietly arrived at mid-May.
In the late spring and early summer, the flowers and trees within the palace walls were already lush and verdant, a deep green.
Shen Zhinian was more than five months pregnant, her belly was quite protruding, and she moved with more caution than a pregnant woman.
She often leaned against the window on a soft couch covered with thick cushions, either reading or whispering to the imperial heir in her womb.
Or they would listen to reports from Fuqu and Qiuyue about news from inside and outside the palace.
Life was peaceful and fulfilling.
That afternoon, Shen Zhinian had just woken up from a nap.
Fuqu walked in from outside, her expression somewhat unusual, and said, "...Your Highness, Consort Qin from Shuiyue Pavilion is outside requesting an audience."
Shen Zhinian's eyes narrowed slightly.
After the rumors and the subsequent demotion, Consort Qin seemed to have vanished from the palace.
She stayed quietly in Shuiyue Pavilion, almost never going out, and never setting foot in Yongshou Palace again.
People in the palace have probably almost forgotten about her.
Today, Consort Qin suddenly came to see me again...
Counting the days, it has been some time since she last came to Yongshou Palace to plead her case and ask Shen Zhinian for some time.
Could it be that the Qin family has discovered something?
Shen Zhinian said, "Let her in."
"Yes."
Before long, Consort Qin's figure appeared in Shen Zhinian's sight.
She looked thinner than when we last met. Her already striking and elegant face now had even more defined features.
Consort Qin knelt down respectfully, without flinching, and said, "This concubine greets Your Highness the Imperial Noble Consort. May Your Highness enjoy boundless blessings and peace!"
"Please rise, Consort Qin."
Shen Zhinian's gaze subtly swept over her: "You've come here today, is there something you need?"
Consort Qin took out an envelope from her sleeve and presented it with both hands: "Your Highness, we were fortunate that Your Highness granted the Qin family the opportunity to conduct a secret investigation last time."
"During this period, my father used his connections in Shandong and the capital to conduct a thorough investigation in secret, without daring to slack off in the slightest. Now we have made some progress."
"This is a secret letter written by my father, which details the key clues and points of the investigation, and includes a copy of some evidence."
“My father said that the truth is shocking and involves many deep issues. The Qin family is weak and may not be able to uncover it on its own, nor dare to act on its own.”
"I hereby order the concubines to present this to Your Majesty, so that Your Majesty may speak."
Consort Qin was very careful with her words, and she made the Qin family's position very humble.
They had uncovered some information, but lacked the resources and dared not act on their own. Therefore, they handed over the clues to the Imperial Noble Consort, who would then decide what to do.
This not only demonstrates that the Qin family was not inactive, but also shows respect for the Imperial Noble Consort.
Shen Zhinian's eyes flickered slightly.
Qin Mingyuan truly lived up to his reputation as a high-ranking official, acting with shrewdness and experience.
Instead of simply complaining about being wronged, they presented concrete investigation results and offered us the difficult questions and choices.
This is far more sophisticated than Consort Tang's previous simple crying and plea for help.
Fuqu stepped forward, took the letter, and presented it to Shen Zhinian.
Shen Zhinian did not rush to open it. She looked up at Consort Qin and tentatively said, "Consort Qin, I know that Lord Qin has good intentions."
"However... this matter involves many people, and His Majesty has already made a clear decision. If His Majesty's decree is overturned, it will inevitably cause further turmoil."
Consort Qin met Shen Zhinian's gaze, her eyes clear and bright: "Your Majesty, the Imperial Noble Consort, is wise!"
"I and the Qin family did not come here to overturn the verdict, nor would I dare to question His Majesty's judgment. The rumors did indeed point to the Qin family, and I accept His Majesty's punishment without complaint."
"However... wolves lurk in the shadows. Today they can frame the Qin family and slander the Empress. In the future, they may very well use the same tricks to harm others, and even... shake the foundations of the nation!"
"The matter my father investigated may not be directly related to the source of the rumors, but it may touch upon some deeper, more malignant tumors..."
"The Qin family suffered greatly from this, and dared not fail to investigate or report it."
"How to handle this matter is entirely up to Your Majesty's wise decision. The entire Qin family will follow Your Majesty's lead!"
These words were spoken flawlessly.
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Note 1: Quoted from a comment by "Book Friend ****1927" on Zongheng.