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

"In the end, it turned out to be nothing more than a few street thugs gossiping, or some disillusioned literati complaining, and then a few unknown nobodys were implicated to take the blame."

The palace maid finally breathed a sigh of relief and bowed, saying, "This servant understands."

"I'll arrange it right away, and I'll make sure it's done cleanly and without leaving any loose ends!"

Su Qing turned to look out the window: "What's the rush... there's still a long way to go. If it doesn't work the first time, we'll wait for the next time."

"If the time isn't right, forcing it will only make things worse. Let the Imperial Noble Consort enjoy her glory for a while longer... Sometimes, the higher you climb, the harder you fall!"

……

Water Creek Pavilion.

Consort Tang's round face was now furrowed, and her clear eyes were filled with anxiety.

The several plates of delicate pastries on the table remained untouched; even her favorite rose pastries lost their appeal.

Rui'er's face was also filled with worry.

The news she had just heard from outside had left her feeling very anxious. Seeing her mistress in this state only made her more worried.

"Little Master..."

Ruier couldn't help but say, "...I heard that His Majesty was furious in the Imperial Study...I'm afraid Master really can't keep his official position..."

Consort Tang's eyes immediately reddened.

Although she was the youngest daughter in her family and was pampered by her father and brothers from a young age, she was innocent and naive. But that didn't mean she was completely ignorant.

Consort Tang knew very well that her father's position as Prefect of the Capital was not only the glory and support of the Tang family, but also her confidence in the harem.

If her father were to be convicted and lose his official position because of this, and the Tang family were to lose power, what kind of good life would she, a mere concubine, have in the harem?

"What should I do... what should I do..."

Consort Tang looked bewildered and helpless. "How could Father have found out? Who knows where those rumors came from?"

"Only three days...isn't this forcing Daddy?"

Rui'er was also extremely anxious, but she was at a loss for what to do, so she could only offer a dry word of comfort: "My lady, please don't worry."

"Sir, you've been an official for many years; you must have a way. Perhaps, perhaps you can find some clues..."

Consort Tang shook her head, tears finally falling: "How do we investigate?"

"His Majesty is clearly furious. In order to protect the Imperial Noble Consort, he is going to make an example of someone and establish his authority!"

"If Father can't find out, he's incompetent; if he just grabs a few people to take the blame, and the truth comes out, it's tantamount to deceiving the emperor... Either way, it's a difficult situation!"

The more she spoke, the more frightened she became, already able to imagine the desolate scene of her father losing his official position and the Tang family falling into obscurity...

Consort Tang was restless. She got up and paced around the room a few times before suddenly stopping and looking at Rui'er, asking, "Do you think... I should go and beg the Imperial Noble Consort, is that alright?"

Rui'er was taken aback: "What does Your Highness mean..."

Consort Tang said, "His Majesty is so furious because of the Imperial Noble Consort."

"If I were to plead with the Imperial Noble Consort, explaining Father's predicament and asking her to put in a good word for him before His Majesty..."

"Even if Father really can't find anything after three days, with the Imperial Noble Consort pleading on his behalf, perhaps... perhaps His Majesty won't be so angry? At least, at least he won't punish Father severely, right?"

The more she thought about it, the more she felt that this was a solution.

In Consort Tang's simple mind, the Imperial Noble Consort was of high rank and favored, so her words must carry weight.

Moreover, the Imperial Noble Consort seems quite amiable, and I usually treat her with utmost respect. Perhaps it might work if I were to ask her for help now?

Ruier hesitated, "My lady, this..."

"The affairs of the previous dynasty are not to be interfered with by the harem. Would it be inappropriate for us to ask the Imperial Noble Consort to intervene?"

"Moreover, the Imperial Noble Consort has just been troubled by rumors, and her mood must be quite bad..."

Consort Tang said firmly, "We can't worry about that now!"

"I can't just stand by and watch something happen to my father."

"Go and make preparations, I will go to Yongshou Palace to request an audience with the Imperial Noble Consort!"

Seeing that the young mistress had made up her mind, Rui'er dared not persuade her any further. She could only respond and hurriedly helped Consort Tang change her clothes.

Before long, Consort Tang changed into a pale yellow palace dress, and her hair was simply styled with only two pearl flowers, making her look exceptionally well-behaved and pitiful.

She took Rui'er with her, carrying a box of fine bird's nest as a token of her affection, and hurriedly headed towards Yongshou Palace.

Yongshou Palace.

After being summoned, Consort Tang was not stopped and was quickly led into the main hall by a palace maid.

She stopped in front of Shen Zhinian and bowed respectfully: "This concubine greets Your Highness the Imperial Noble Consort. May Your Highness enjoy boundless blessings and peace!"

Shen Zhinian said calmly, "Consort Tang has arrived? No need for formalities, please sit down."

"Thank you, Your Majesty the Imperial Concubine!"

Consort Tang sat halfway on the embroidered stool, looking uneasy, her hands clasped nervously.

Shen Zhinian glanced at her and saw that her eyes were slightly red and her expression was panicked. She had already guessed seven or eight parts of what was going on, but she pretended not to know and asked gently, "Why does Consort Tang have time to come today?"

Upon hearing this, Consort Tang felt a lump in her throat and almost burst into tears again.

She forced herself to rise, curtsied again, and choked out, "Your Highness, Imperial Noble Consort, I have come here today with great trepidation... I beg Your Highness for mercy..."

Shen Zhinian frowned slightly: "Oh? What's the matter that you're so afraid of? Tell me slowly."

Consort Tang then explained in detail the Emperor's three-day deadline, the immense pressure her father was under, and his fear of punishment.

His words were earnest, full of genuine concern for his father and family.

Finally, she raised her teary eyes and looked at Shen Zhinian with hope: "...Your Highness, I know that the inner palace should not interfere in politics, and I dare not put Your Highness in a difficult position."

"But... but Father has always been diligent in his official duties. This rumor came out of nowhere, and it is not because Father was negligent..."

"Your Majesty, I beg you to consider my father's many years of service to the court. If, in three days... if, in three days, my father fails to investigate the case effectively, could you... could you possibly intercede on his behalf before His Majesty?"

"I am deeply grateful to the Tang family!"

After saying this, Consort Tang bowed deeply.

Shen Zhinian listened quietly, her eyes deepening, and gestured for Handan to help Consort Tang up.

"I understand Consort Tang's filial piety."

Shen Zhinian slowly spoke: "It is only natural for you to worry about your father. However... the affairs of the previous dynasty have their own laws and regulations."

"As the official in charge of the capital, the Prefect of Jingzhao is responsible for investigating illegal activities and maintaining public order."

"Your Majesty's order to solve the case within a specified time is to quell the rumors, set the record straight, and safeguard the reputation of the palace and the auspicious signs for the imperial heir."

"This is a matter of state, not something that concubines in the harem can comment on, let alone try to resolve."

Consort Tang's face paled, her lips moved as if she wanted to say something.

Shen Zhinian continued, "I understand that Consort Tang is anxious. But you must know that His Majesty is wise and will make fair judgments on rewards and punishments."

"If the Prefect of the Capital does his best to handle the case, no matter the outcome, His Majesty, with his keen insight, will certainly take it into consideration."