Steal my marriage? Turn around and marry the tyrant to take the throne

Chapter 1698 The Lowest Cost Tool (Bonus Chapter for 207 Million Votes)

"It is only natural for children to worry about their parents."

"The Prefect of Jingzhao has served as an official for many years, and he is diligent and cautious, as His Majesty knows."

"The rumors came suddenly, and His Majesty was furious and ordered the case to be solved within a time limit, also in order to clean up the palace and protect the reputation of the Imperial Noble Consort. It is understandable that the Prefect of the Capital is under great pressure in his position."

At this point, Consort Zhuang paused, looking at Consort Tang's eyes, which had regained hope, and slowly said, "However, Sister Tang, don't worry too much."

“His Majesty is wise and not unreasonable. Even if the Prefect of the Capital does his best and fails to solve the case within three days, His Majesty may not punish him severely.”

"Moreover... matters in the court are interconnected, affecting everything. The Prefect of the Capital has served for many years; even if he hasn't achieved great merit, he has certainly worked hard. His colleagues and superiors will always have someone to speak up for him."

"The Zhuang family has some influence in the court. If it really comes to that, although I am too deep in the inner palace to interfere in politics, I will try to find an opportunity to plead with His Majesty, or have my father and brothers intercede on my behalf. I think His Majesty will consider it accordingly."

These words, though not entirely definitive, instantly reassured Consort Tang.

Yes!

The Imperial Concubine's maternal family was the Grand Tutor's Mansion, with students and associates throughout the court and the country. Furthermore, the Imperial Concubine herself enjoyed the Emperor's deep respect.

If she were willing to speak up for me, even if it were just a few words of pleading, it would carry far more weight than any benefactor I could ever have!

Consort Tang was so excited that she was about to rise and kneel down: "Your Highness, I...I and the Tang family will never forget your great kindness and virtue!"

"If Father can overcome this calamity, I am willing to serve Your Highness like a slave to repay your kindness!"

Consort Zhuang quickly helped Consort Tang up, scolding her gently, "Don't do that. We're all sisters in the harem, it's only right that we support each other."

"Just relax and go back to rest. Don't overthink things and hurt yourself by crying."

"The magistrate of the capital is blessed with good fortune. With your filial piety, Heaven will also protect you."

Consort Tang nodded with tears in her eyes: "Yes..."

Consort Zhuang gave a few more gentle instructions, and asked Ruoji to pack a box of the finest calming spices and two ginseng roots for Consort Tang to take back to calm her nerves and nourish her body.

Consort Tang accepted the gift with profuse thanks, her gloom vanished, and she felt completely relaxed.

The fear and helplessness I felt upon arrival have now been replaced by overwhelming gratitude.

She bowed deeply in gratitude once more before leaving Changchun Palace with Rui'er's help.

Watching Consort Tang and her servant disappear outside the palace gates, Xiao Caizi pouted and said to Consort Zhuang, "Your Majesty, I don't know if Consort Tang is truly naive or just plain stupid."

"The Prefect of the Capital is probably still out there racking his brains, mobilizing people to investigate the case. And his daughter, on the other hand, is frantically begging and pleading with everyone in the palace."

"Isn't this blatantly telling everyone, even her, that she thinks her father isn't capable enough and definitely won't be able to deliver in three days? Tsk tsk, really..."

Upon hearing this, Consort Zhuang's lips curled into a faint sneer. She didn't respond to Xiao Caizi's words and slowly sipped her tea.

Observing the situation, Xiao Caizi tentatively asked, "Your Majesty, if His Majesty becomes angry in three days and wants to punish the Prefect of the Capital... are you really going to stand up for Consort Tang?"

Consort Zhuang put down her teacup, glanced at him, and asked, "Did I promise Consort Tang anything just now?"

"I was just saying that if it really comes to that, we can look for an opportunity. Giving you some reassurance won't take much effort."

Xiao Caizi nodded and said, "Your Majesty is right."

"With hope in her heart, Consort Tang was naturally moved to tears and felt that you were kind and benevolent."

Consort Zhuang smiled and said, "If the Prefect of the Capital proves himself in three days and finds out something, then naturally I won't need to intervene."

"If he is indeed incompetent, His Majesty can decide on his own and deal with him as he sees fit."

"His Majesty's mind is made up, and I am powerless to change it. What can Consort Tang do? Can she blame me for not trying my best?"

"I have never made any guarantees."

Xiao Caizi smiled with admiration: "Your Majesty is brilliant!"

"In this way, Consort Tang will feel indebted to the Empress and think that the Empress is the only hope for the harem, and we won't have to really get involved in this mess."

"Whether the Prefect of the Capital succeeds or fails, we will remain calm and composed, and not get involved in any trouble."

Consort Zhuang smiled slightly.

Tang Guiren's tearful gratitude, in her eyes, was nothing more than foolish and cheap loyalty.

When it's useful, you might as well offer a little something sweet to appease them.

If something is useless or becomes a nuisance, it is not a pity to discard it.

The name of benevolence and kindness is sometimes the most useful and cost-effective tool.

As for whether Consort Tang will be disappointed or even resentful of Consort Zhuang because her hopes were dashed?

That doesn't matter.

A noblewoman whose own life was in danger, and whose father might lose his official position. Her joys and sorrows were as insignificant as dust in the power struggles of the inner palace.

……

Beijing.

Upon receiving the emperor's decree, the Prefect of the Capital and the Military Command of the Five Cities began to search and arrest people everywhere.

The pressure was even greater for the Prefect of the Capital, who was given only three days by the emperor.

For an entire day, the Prefect of Jingzhao was almost constantly on the go.

First, he urgently summoned all the capable officials in the government office, assigned tasks, and delineated areas.

He then personally oversaw the proceedings, listened to reports from all sides, and analyzed those unsubstantiated clues.

In the afternoon, under pressure, he met with the commander of the Five Cities Garrison to coordinate the search and interrogation...

But rumors are like willow catkins in spring, drifting from some unknown corner and spreading throughout the streets and alleys overnight.

The idlers in the teahouse, the drunkards in the tavern, the peddlers resting on the street, the gossiping servants at the back gate of a mansion... everyone may have said something about it, but no one can say for sure where they first heard it from.

Searching for it is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

But His Majesty was furious, what could he do?

As night fell, the Prefect of the Capital dragged his exhausted body back to his residence.

"The master is back!"

The steward hurried forward, noticing the Prefect's grim expression, and cautiously asked, "Madam instructed the kitchen to keep the food warm, and hot water is also prepared. Would you like to take a bath first, sir, or have some food first?"

The Prefect of the Capital waved his hand: "Where is the Lady?"

The butler said, "Madam is waiting for Master in the inner room."

The Prefect of the Capital nodded and walked straight into the inner hall.

The inner room was brightly lit, and Madam Tang was sitting at the table with several untouched, exquisite dishes and a pot of warm wine in front of her, clearly waiting for him.

Upon seeing her husband enter, Madam Tang immediately stood up and said with concern, "My lord, you're finally back!"

"You must be exhausted after a long day. Sit down and rest, and have some hot soup."

While instructing the maid to serve soup, she personally poured a cup of wine for the Prefect of the Capital.

The Prefect of the Capital sat down at the table, rubbed his throbbing temples, and took two sips of soup.

He looked at his wife and forced a smile: "I'm sorry to have worried you, Madam."

How is everything at home today?