The Emperor studied Prince Xian, his expression dark.
“Tell me, what brings you to the palace?”
After a brief pause, Prince Xian quickly explained.
“Your son heard that Mother Consort has been unwell recently, so I entered the palace to visit her.
On my way, I noticed the Governor of the capital looking quite alarmed, and upon inquiring, I learned of the situation.
I am both worried about Big Brother and eager to help Imperial Father.”
The Emperor seemed somewhat convinced; his expression softened.
“Oh? Then tell me, how should this matter be handled?”
Prince Xian pretended to think for a moment before answering solemnly.
“Imperial Father, in your son’s opinion, if the Prince of Pingyang’s estate is truly infected with plague, it would be best to inconvenience Big Brother and his wife for a time and temporarily seal the Prince of Pingyang’s mansion.
Then, have the Imperial Medical Academy devote all efforts to developing a cure.
Once the physicians produce an effective remedy and the plague is cured, we can lift the lockdown on the mansion.”
Noticing the Emperor nod slightly, as if in agreement, Prince Xian’s eyes lit up.
“Furthermore, your son believes that sealing the mansion would serve as reassurance to the people.
When the commoners learn of Imperial Father’s actions, they will surely have greater faith in you.”
“And if the Imperial physicians determine that the Prince of Pingyang’s estate has no plague?” the Emperor asked slowly.
Prince Xian was taken aback again.
“No plague? Wouldn’t that be even better?” he quickly recovered.
“And then?” the Emperor pressed.
Prince Xian was slightly confused. “And then? Then have the Governor withdraw his men, and Big Brother and his household can return to normal.”
“Is that all?” The Emperor seemed dissatisfied with the answer.
Prince Xian’s mind raced, trying to discern what answer his Imperial Father truly wanted.
Suddenly, his gaze settled on the old man.
Something occurred to him.
Prince Xian clasped his hands and bowed. “Imperial Father, withdrawing the Governor’s men is only the first step.
The second step is to investigate who started this rumor and why.
And whether someone is behind it, pulling the strings.
Also, your son heard from the Governor that someone first reported to the authorities that the Prince of Pingyang’s estate had plague, prompting him to seal the mansion.
Perhaps that person and the rumor-mongers are in cahoots!”
The more Prince Xian spoke, the more certain his tone became.
“Imperial Father, your son believes this matter is fraught with irregularities and should be thoroughly investigated by the Supreme Court.
With your birthday approaching, the mastermind behind this has chosen this moment to stir up trouble.
Your son suspects it is not only aimed at Big Brother but may be directed at Imperial Father himself!”
Prince Xian spoke with righteous indignation.
The Emperor looked at him and finally smiled.
“You are quite right!”
Prince Xian breathed a sigh of relief. He had guessed correctly!
“In that case, I entrust the investigation into the mastermind to you.
I give you seven days to uncover who is behind this!”
Prince Xian felt a surge of triumph. He swept his robe aside with a flourish and knelt.
“Your son accepts the decree!”
He was the first to whom Imperial Father had assigned a task!
The Emperor waved his hand cheerfully.
“Didn’t you say you wanted to see your Mother Consort?
Go and see her. Let her rest and recover well.
I don’t want to hear that she’s unwell again when my birthday arrives.”
Prince Xian was overjoyed.
This meant his Mother Consort’s house arrest would only last until the Emperor’s birthday!
“Your son thanks Imperial Father for his grace on behalf of Mother Consort!”
Prince Xian kowtowed three times respectfully.
Then he stood and ordered the Governor, “Hand this man over to the Supreme Court first.
Then, wait for me at the palace gate. I will be there shortly!”
The Governor quickly complied.
Prince Xian hurried out of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, his heart filled with urgency.
His Mother Consort had sent word that she was under house arrest and asked him to find a way into the palace.
Now, he had not only gained an opportunity from Imperial Father but also helped lift Mother Consort’s confinement.
It was hitting two birds with one stone!
Prince Xian’s face beamed with exhilaration.
He soon entered Consort Shu’s private chambers. Too eager to offer formal greetings, he wanted first to share his good news.
“Mother Consort, your son has good tidings to—”
Looking up, Prince Xian was startled by Consort Shu’s appearance.
If he hadn’t recognized her as his mother, he would have fled in terror.
Consort Shu looked withered, even growing white hairs.
Her face was ravaged, as if her features had been destroyed, the skin completely decayed.
“Mother Consort, what happened to you?” Prince Xian exclaimed in shock.
He knew that in the harem, a woman’s face was everything.
And Consort Shu, who prized her appearance above all, would never have brought herself to such ruin.
At the sight of her son, Consort Shu burst into tears.
“My son!”
Seeing his mother weep, Prince Xian felt a pang of pity.
When had his dignified, proud Mother Consort ever been so humbled?
“Mother Consort, what is the matter?
Even if Imperial Father confined you, why reduce yourself to such a state?”
Consort Shu’s grievance grew at his words.
Tears streamed down her face as she sobbed inconsolably.
Prince Xian felt a headache coming on and turned to his mother’s personal maid.
“How have you been serving her? Has a physician been summoned?”
The maid knelt in panic.
“Your Highness, a physician was called.”
Relieved, Prince Xian tried to soothe Consort Shu.
“Mother Consort, since the physician has prescribed medicine, focus on regaining your health.
Just now, as I came, Imperial Father said he expected you to attend his birthday banquet looking beautiful.
He also asked me to tell you that he has been busy and couldn’t visit, but that he thinks of you often.”
The Emperor and Consort Shu had grown up together, childhood acquaintances.
But the late Emperor had personally decreed a marriage to the Empress, leaving Consort Shu no choice but to become a consort.
Even after entering the palace, the Emperor had to distribute his favors evenly.
Consort Shu’s jealousy often flared.
To vie for the Emperor’s favor, she had done many things—
Pretending to be pushed into a pond by favored consorts, feigning poisoning by others...
Her tricks were endless.
At first, the Emperor found it amusing.
A man, especially an emperor, took pride in being sought after by many women.
And his bond with Consort Shu, forged in childhood, was deeper than the rest.
So he always brushed off her small schemes lightly.
But over time, with more and more women in the harem, the Emperor grew weary of the constant games.
Men are fickle by nature, and he was no exception—especially as Emperor.
Prince Xian assumed his mother had once again resorted to self-destruction to reclaim Imperial Father’s affection.
“Mother Consort, Imperial Father just assigned me a special task,” he said.
