mtlumby2d Chapter 1660 I naturally trust the Imperial Noble Consort and the Fourth Prince
Chapter 1660 I naturally trust the Imperial Noble Consort and the Fourth Prince
A raging fire surged in Nangong Xuanyu's deep eyes: "You think I'd believe your nonsense?!"
Xingchen sneered, "Whether Your Majesty believes it or not, these are facts, so why deceive yourself?"
The emperor's eyes were filled with murderous intent: "Nonsense! Do you really think I wouldn't dare kill you?!"
Xingchen met his gaze without fear: "Even if His Majesty were torn apart by five horses, so what? It would not change the fact that the Fourth Prince is my flesh and blood!"
Nangong Xuanyu laughed in fury: "Fine! Fine! Fine! Then I will grant your wish!"
"Li Changde!"
Terrified, Li Changde, who was kneeling on the ground, immediately said, "This servant is here!"
The emperor said coldly, "Drag this wicked monk, who spreads heresy and defiles the harem, away and have him torn apart by five horses!!!"
Li Changde's heart trembled violently, knowing that at this moment, no one could dissuade His Majesty: "...Yes!"
All that's needed now is to issue an imperial edict to the world, ordering the execution of this disgrace to Buddhism, and the matter will be over.
As Xingchen was dragged away by the strong eunuch, he was still shouting, "Nangong Xuanyu, do you think killing me will negate all of this?!"
"I am a prince! The fourth prince is my son! Hahaha—"
Nangong Xuanyu's eyes were cold and deep: "A prince? It's a pity you can never openly possess this identity that you are so proud of. In the eyes of the world, you are nothing more than a traitorous prince seeking fame and fortune!"
What Xingchen valued most was his status as a prince, and his pupils constricted slightly upon hearing this!
However, before he could even roar, Li Changde gave him a look, and the eunuch immediately covered his mouth.
Nangong Xuanyu stood still, his chest still heaving violently, his eyes filled with rage!
"Your Majesty, please calm your anger. Your health is of utmost importance!"
Li Changde knelt on the ground: "That lewd monk Xingchen, knowing he was doomed, made wild accusations before his death, trying to sow discord in the Emperor's mind. His words are absolutely unbelievable!"
"The Imperial Noble Consort is utterly devoted to His Majesty, and the Fourth Prince is a son of the dragon and phoenix born before His Majesty's very eyes. How can we allow this lewd monk to slander them? Your Majesty must not fall for his treacherous scheme!"
Nangong Xuanyu roared, "Of course I know!"
He knew that what Xingchen said couldn't possibly be true.
She was pure and innocent, and deeply in love with him.
She was the only woman he trusted and truly loved in the treacherous inner palace.
When she looked at him, the affection brimming in her alluring fox-like eyes was unmistakable.
She bore him children and managed the harem, never overstepping any boundaries, and without the slightest sign of any misunderstanding with the outside world.
Ah Xu grew up under his care, and his features became more and more like his own. He was the prince on whom he placed great hopes!
Every time I hold Ah Xu in my arms and hear him call out "Father Emperor" in his childish voice, the thrill and pride of that blood connection are impossible to fake.
Even if we take a step back and assume... that Nian Nian really had an affair with Xing Chen, and that A Xu was indeed Xing Chen's bloodline... that lecherous monk Xing Chen would be too busy hiding it.
After all, Niannian is the secondary empress, while Axu will become the legitimate son in the future and is the most likely prince to inherit the throne.
For Xingchen, this is simply the perfect tool for revenge!
He should keep this secret tightly under wraps and secretly plot using Nian Nian and A Xu's positions, so that he might be able to seize power without bloodshed in the future.
How could Xingchen suddenly reveal his biggest trump card and chips when he was at his wit's end?
That doesn't make sense, unless he's insane!
Xingchen did this simply to plant a thorn in his heart, to make him suspicious of Niannian and her son, and to sow discord among the imperial family. His intentions were extremely malicious!
Rationally, Nangong Xuanyu analyzed all of this clearly and thoroughly.
He knew that Xingchen was lying and using the most despicable means to try to drive a wedge between him and Niannian, and to tarnish the father-son relationship he cherished most.
But Nangong Xuanyu still couldn't help feeling disgusted...
He was an emperor.
Suspicion is an instinct ingrained in the very bones of emperors.
Nangong Xuanyu had seen too many officials who appeared loyal on the surface but harbored treachery within.
I've seen too many women who are gentle and kind, yet stab you in the back.
The inner palace and the imperial court are breeding grounds for lies and scheming.
Trust is the most luxurious and also the most dangerous thing.
The more you cherish something, the more you fear losing it.
The more you value something, the harder it is to tolerate even the slightest possible flaw.
In particular, offspring and bloodlines are the foundation of imperial power, and Nangong Xuanyu's inviolable taboo!
"Li Changde."
After a long while, the emperor's voice had returned to calm.
But Li Changde could sense the unsettling undercurrents beneath the surface...
"The slave is here."
Nangong Xuanyu's eyes were deep: "I naturally believe in the Imperial Noble Consort and the Fourth Prince, but since Xingchen dares to bark so wildly, perhaps... he once harbored desires for the Imperial Noble Consort."
"Go and investigate secretly whether the Imperial Noble Consort had any contact with Xingchen before entering the palace. Even if it seems like a coincidence, find out for me! Question anyone who might know anything!"
Li Changde felt a chill run down his spine.
His Majesty said he believed in the Imperial Noble Consort and the Fourth Prince, but in his heart... he still had doubts.
Or rather, His Majesty doesn't doubt the Imperial Noble Consort; he simply wants to eliminate any potential threats. He's trying to soothe the forcibly stirred-up suspicion within him that is typical of an emperor.
Such shocking accusations concerning the imperial lineage, the Imperial Concubine's reputation, and the Fourth Prince's future—even if there's only a one in ten thousand chance of being true, His Majesty would never let them go lightly.
An investigation is inevitable.
This is both to give His Majesty an explanation and to prevent problems before they arise.
But Li Changde couldn't help himself and carefully chose his words, saying, "Your Majesty, before the Imperial Noble Consort entered the palace, she always lived a secluded life. The Shen family is not of high status and has not had much contact with royal temples like Fatu Temple..."
"That's precisely why I'm even more determined to find out the truth."
Nangong Xuanyu interrupted Li Changde: "What I want is irrefutable evidence to prove that what Xingchen said today is a complete frame-up and the ravings of a madman before his death."
"Only in this way can I be at ease. Only then can the Imperial Noble Consort and the Fourth Prince truly be innocent and untouched by any rumors."
At this point, he looked at Li Changde, his eyes incredibly deep: "Li Changde, do you understand what I mean?"
Li Changde immediately bowed: "This servant understands!"
"Your Majesty's actions are precisely to protect the reputation of the Imperial Noble Consort and the Fourth Prince, and to prevent any potential problems from arising."
"This servant will act with utmost care and will not dare to leak even the slightest information! I will also investigate thoroughly to prove the innocence of the Imperial Noble Consort and the Fourth Prince!"
Nangong Xuanyu waved his hand: "Be discreet, and make sure the Imperial Noble Consort doesn't find out."
Otherwise, he couldn't imagine what would happen to Niannian...
"Yes, I obey your order!"
Li Changde knew that His Majesty placed high hopes on the Fourth Prince, and this matter had to be thoroughly investigated to leave no hidden dangers.
Fortunately, the Imperial Noble Consort acts with integrity and has nothing to fear.