Chapter 1641 There are no secrets that stay hidden forever (Bonus chapter for 261 million reward poi
Chapter 1641 There are no secrets that stay hidden forever (Bonus chapter for 261 million reward poi
"If this servant dares to speak disrespectfully, if something truly happens to Consort Feng's imperial heir... it's hard to guarantee that someone won't try to pin the blame on you..."
Pearl's words were not unfounded.
After all, the Empress has a sixth prince, and in the eyes of those with ulterior motives, there is a reason to eliminate dissidents.
In the imperial harem, framing and using others to do one's dirty work were commonplace tactics.
A pregnant woman with an unstable pregnancy was living in the palace of a concubine who was pregnant with a prince. If something were to happen, the concubine would be unable to clear her name even if she jumped into the Yellow River...
Even if His Majesty is discerning and will not easily convict the Empress, once doubts arise in his heart, they are difficult to dispel.
Those who are jealous of the Empress will never let such a good opportunity pass them by.
Consort Xuan's smile faded slightly.
She hadn't thought of this aspect before.
But Consort Feng was someone from her palace, so she couldn't just kick her out without a reason.
These days, Consort Xuan's heart is also in suspense.
She had to maintain her position as the principal consort and take care of the pregnant concubines.
They had to be careful in everything they did, for fear that if anything went wrong at Ruixuexuan, it would implicate them and Jin'er.
Now that Consort Feng has been moved away by imperial decree, Consort Xuan has indeed breathed a sigh of relief.
"We understand these principles in our hearts, so let's not bring them up again."
Consort Xuan said to Zhu'er, "His Majesty moved Consort Feng to a new palace so that she could rest and recuperate peacefully. We can't control what outsiders say. But those of us in our own palace must keep our mouths shut."
"Yes, this servant knows what is important."
Zhu'er quickly replied, then couldn't help but sigh, "It seems His Majesty truly values Consort Feng's imperial heir."
"Shoukang Palace is quiet and suitable for pregnancy, which will save us a lot of trouble."
Consort Xuan sat down on the chair and couldn't help but recall when Consort Feng first entered the palace. Because she was skilled in playing musical instruments and had a quiet and elegant personality, Consort Xuan could talk to her.
Consort Feng frequently visited the main hall to ask Consort Xuan for guidance on pipa fingering techniques. Consort Xuan, in turn, would enthusiastically bring out her treasured musical scores to discuss with Consort Feng.
When did they start to drift apart?
It seems that this happened after Consort Feng announced her pregnancy at a palace banquet.
Such a joyous occasion, yet Consort Feng kept it a complete secret beforehand.
Consort Xuan remembered that while she was surprised at the time, she also felt a little unhappy about being kept in the dark.
It wasn't that she wanted to steal credit or was overly controlling. Rather, she felt that with Consort Feng residing in Chengqian Palace and herself being the principal consort, Consort Feng's guardedness made them seem distant.
Since then, Consort Feng has kept to herself and rarely comes to the main hall to pay her respects or speak, citing her pregnancy as the reason.
Even when they did come, it was only a perfunctory greeting; the leisurely discussions about music that they used to share were no longer possible.
Consort Xuan was not one to fawn over those who didn't reciprocate her kindness. Since Consort Feng intended to keep her distance, she naturally ceased all contact with her.
Now that Consort Feng has moved away, Consort Xuan has indeed been relieved of a burden.
“Pearl”.
She pulled herself out of her thoughts and instructed, "Go and give the palace servants left at Ruixue Pavilion a talking-to. Tell them to settle down and do their jobs properly, just keep an eye on the courtyard. Don't cause any trouble, and don't gossip."
"Consort Feng is only temporarily relocated to another palace to rest and prepare for childbirth; she may return any day now."
Zhu'er said, "Yes, this servant will go right away."
Now, countless people are paying attention to Consort Feng, and this news quickly spread throughout the palace.
"Have you heard? His Majesty has ordered Consort Feng to be moved to Shou Kang Palace to rest and recuperate during her pregnancy!"
"Shou Kang Palace? Such a remote place?"
"What do you know! His Majesty is just protecting the imperial heir! No matter how nice Ruixue Pavilion is, it's still within the East and West Six Palaces, where people come and go, and there's always someone with ulterior motives. Shou Kang Palace is so peaceful; no one can disturb you. It's the perfect place for a woman to rest and recuperate!"
"That's true..."
"His Majesty is truly concerned about Consort Feng's pregnancy!"
"Isn't that right? She's the only pregnant woman in the palace right now, she's extremely precious!"
"..."
Most people believe that the emperor's move shows his concern for the imperial heir.
After all, who could have imagined that the child in Consort Feng's womb might not be of imperial lineage, and even less could she fathom Nangong Xuanyu's deeper intentions?
Only Shen Zhinian understood that Nangong Xuanyu was about to take action against Consort Feng.
……
Qiu Yan helped Consort Feng walk along the palace path, happily chattering, "...Your Highness, Shou Kang Palace was personally arranged by His Majesty, so it must be excellent."
“Once we get there, you’ll definitely be able to sleep soundly and the baby will grow strong and healthy!”
Consort Feng gave a soft "hmm".
But for some reason, Li Changde led them further and further into remote areas...
Is Shou Kang Palace nearby?
Consort Feng looked around blankly, but did not see the plaque of the palace gate.
Seeing that there was no one else around, Li Changde suddenly stopped and nodded slightly to the eunuchs behind him.
The eunuchs immediately understood and restrained Consort Feng and Qiu Yan!
"what--"
Qiu Yan was suddenly restrained and screamed in fright, "What are you doing?!"
The change happened so fast that Consort Feng was completely stunned...
After realizing what was happening, she asked in shock and anger, "Eunuch Li, what do you mean by this?!"
"His Majesty sent me here to rest and recuperate during my pregnancy, how dare you be so rude?!"
As she said this, a sense of foreboding rose in Consort Feng's heart...
Li Changde's gaze fell on Consort Feng's pale face, and he said with a half-smile, "Consort, please calm down."
“There are some things that need to be asked of you and your servants in a different place.”
Consort Feng forced a show of composure, but her heart sank: "Ask...ask what?"
Could it be that... the thing she feared day and night and desperately tried to cover up had finally been discovered?
Li Changde said no more, and waved his hand: "Take him away!"
"Yes!"
The eunuchs who had restrained them immediately dragged them to the side of the palace road, to an inconspicuous side door.
Qiu Yan struggled, but couldn't break free. She could only stare at Consort Feng in horror, her eyes filled with confusion.
Consort Feng was no longer concerned about Qiu Yan; her heart was filled with fear!
But she still held onto a sliver of hope.
Perhaps... perhaps there's some misunderstanding?
As long as she stubbornly denies it, there might still be a chance...
Li Changde ordered his men to take Consort Feng and Qiu Yan to a secret room and imprison them.
He sent his trusted confidant to interrogate Qiu Yan, while he personally went to interrogate Consort Feng.
Consort Feng spoke first: "Eunuch Li, what... what exactly is going on?"
"If I have done something wrong, Your Majesty can punish me as you see fit. Why go to such lengths?"
Li Changde looked directly into Consort Feng's eyes and said bluntly, "Consort Feng, you have been having an affair with Master Xingchen of Fatu Temple and have conceived a child, yet you are trying to use this illegitimate child to confuse the imperial bloodline!"
"Do you really think you can get away with this?"
At this moment, Consort Feng's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally died, and the color drained from her face instantly!
She knew it!
She knew that nothing stays hidden forever!
The nightmare she feared day and night suddenly became a reality...
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