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

"However, those words involved our unborn child, and my heart... is still heavy with sorrow..."

At this point, Shen Zhinian raised her eyes, her eyes slightly reddening, shimmering with tears, looking incredibly pitiful: "This child is His Majesty's flesh and blood, my very lifeblood..."

"I only wish for my child to be healthy and safe. How did that become an ominous sign in other people's mouths?"

These words were spoken with heartfelt sincerity, reflecting a mother's most instinctive protectiveness, instantly striking the softest spot in Nangong Xuanyu's heart.

He tightened his arms, holding Shen Zhinian even closer, his chin gently stroking the top of her head, his tone more certain than ever before: "Nonsense!"

"How could my child be considered unlucky? This child is a blessing, a precious gift from Heaven!"

"Those who dare to curse the imperial heirs, I will not let a single one go!"

"Niannian, trust me. I will handle this matter properly and will never let you or the child suffer the slightest injustice!"

Shen Zhinian buried her face in the emperor's chest: "Your Majesty, I naturally trust you."

"With Your Majesty's words, I have nothing to fear."

The atmosphere inside was quiet and warm.

Sunlight streamed through the windowpane, bathing the two embracing figures in a golden glow.

"It's my fault."

Nangong Xuanyu sighed and apologized, "These days, the affairs of the court have been too busy, and I have neglected many things, leaving you to face these storms alone."

Shen Zhinian gently shook her head: "Your Majesty bears the responsibility for the country and its people, so naturally you must prioritize state affairs. I understand."

"As long as Your Majesty keeps me and the child in your heart, I will be content."

The more sensible and considerate she was, the deeper Nangong Xuanyu felt guilty and the stronger his affection became: "Today I will have dinner with you, Axu, and the unborn child here."

"From now on, I will definitely make more time to spend with you."

"Your health is now compromised, so your well-being is of utmost importance. Don't worry about those unimportant people and things anymore; I'll take care of everything."

Shen Zhinian softly hummed in agreement, a gentle smile blooming on her lips. Like a spring flower in full bloom, it instantly brightened her face.

The two looked at each other and smiled, creating a warm atmosphere.

……

The palace walls are deep and deep.

Inside a palace.

A figure in plain blue stood quietly by the window with his back to the door, watching the dust motes dancing in the light.

She was slender and dressed simply, exuding a deliberate air of modesty.

The palace maid tiptoed in, her face revealing unconcealed anxiety and fear.

She turned around and carefully closed the door before quickly walking behind Su Qing and lowering her voice to say, "Your Majesty, the situation outside is not good..."

Su Qing didn't turn around: "What's the panic? Speak slowly."

The palace maid swallowed hard. "I just received news that His Majesty... His Majesty was furious after the morning court session this day and has issued an imperial edict ordering the Prefect of the Capital to join forces with the military commands of the five cities to thoroughly investigate the rumors circulating in the city."

"It is said that anyone who spreads slander against the court or curses the imperial heirs will be arrested and severely interrogated. The source and the mastermind behind it must be found. The Prefect of the Capital has been given three days to do so!"

"Your Majesty, aren't we...aren't we taking too much of a risk?"

"I never expected that the Imperial Noble Consort would remain so calm after hearing the rumors. Not only did Yongshou Palace remain completely still, but she herself was as steady as a mountain."

"The rumors have not only failed to harm the Imperial Noble Consort in the slightest, but have instead enraged His Majesty, who has personally issued an edict..."

"What...what should we do? What if they investigate..."

Su Qing slowly turned around, her eyebrows and eyes slender, her skin pale. Only her eyes were calm and deep, like a still well.

Looking at the palace maid's panicked appearance, she said with a half-smile, "Since I dared to do this, how could I have been unprepared?"

Rumors are like water, without roots or evidence. They originate in the marketplace and spread throughout the fields.

"What we spread were just a few vague coincidences and doubts. But we weren't the only ones exaggerating and fueling the flames."

"No matter how powerful the Prefect of the Capital and the Five Cities Garrison are, who can they arrest? Which sentence can they investigate?"

"Ha, the source has long been mixed in with the mouths of thousands of people, and cannot be found."

Hearing Su Qing's words, the palace maid felt somewhat relieved, but was still a little worried: "But... His Majesty's attitude is clearly extremely protective of the Imperial Noble Consort."

"Haven't we alerted the enemy this time, making His Majesty pity her even more?"

Su Qing's figure sneered, "The heart of an emperor is unfathomable. Can a moment of pity outweigh long-term suspicion?"

"Moreover, I never expected to bring down the Imperial Noble Consort with just a few rumors."

"It's just a matter of wanting to throw mud at her when she's at her most triumphant and needs auspicious omens the most. Let's see how many muds will be splashed up and how many flies will be attracted."

"Didn't you just say that there are obviously people behind this rumor who are stirring things up?"

"For example, those malicious arguments that say too much good fortune can be a hindrance are far more vicious and sophisticated than what we spread. That's not our style."

The palace maid nodded hurriedly: "Yes, this servant has also noticed it. The rumor is spreading widely and it subtly points to the fate of the imperial heir in the Imperial Noble Consort's womb... The intention is extremely sinister."

"It seems there are many who are envious of Yongshou Palace and wary of the Imperial Noble Consort's pregnancy."

Su Qing calmly replied, "A tall tree catches the wind; that's only natural."

"The Imperial Noble Consort is currently enjoying the Emperor's favor, managing palace affairs, has a capable father, and is carrying a blessed child. I don't know how many people she has offended or blocked her path."

"It's not surprising that some people want to take advantage of our situation and dampen the arrogance of the imperial family. When has the harem ever lacked people who would kick someone when they're down and take advantage of a disaster?"

The palace maid was silent for a moment, then tentatively asked, "Then... Your Highness, what should we do next?"

"Since His Majesty personally sent people to investigate, the situation must be very tense. Those who have had contact with us..."

Su Qing's figure said decisively, "Stop immediately."

“Sever all related connections where necessary, and hide those that need to be hidden. Find a way to send away those who have passed on messages, or shut them up completely.”

"Erase the traces and pretend this never happened."

"His Majesty is truly enraged and has personally intervened. The fire is already beyond our control. If we continue to act recklessly and invite disaster upon ourselves, we will be courting death."

The palace maid nodded in agreement: "Your Highness is right."

"In any case, we have already achieved part of our goal. Rumors have been spread and mudslinging has been done. It is not impossible that this has created a slight rift between His Majesty and the Imperial Noble Consort."

"Both Lady Feng and Lady Chu have lost their imperial heirs. This servant does not believe that Your Majesty has no doubts. After hearing about these 'coincidences,' does Your Majesty truly have no lingering resentment towards the Imperial Noble Consort?"

Su Qing sneered, "Let them investigate."