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

Although a fire in the palace is a major event, the only person imprisoned in the Elegant Garden is a deposed concubine. Why should His Majesty go there in person?

It seems that the Jiang family may not be insignificant after all.

The most prominent and well-informed concubines in the harem all went there without prior arrangement.

Or they might use the pretext of caring about His Majesty.

Or they might be driven by a desire to investigate and gather information.

Or perhaps they simply didn't want to miss any developments that might affect the power dynamics within the harem.

The imperial guards responsible for the garrison, seeing that the women were ladies-in-waiting from various palaces, dared not stop them. They could only tighten their guard and manage the flow of people.

Shen Zhinian naturally received the news as well.

Xiao Mingzi said in a deep voice, "...Your Majesty, there's a fire at Yawen Garden, and the fire looks quite large."

"His Majesty just rushed over from the Hall of Mental Cultivation. I heard he left in a great hurry, even neglecting Consort Tang, who was serving him in bed."

Without any hesitation, Shen Zhinian stood up and said, "Change your clothes, I'll go take a look."

Fuqu said with some worry, "Your Highness, it's late and the dew is heavy, and things are chaotic over there. The fire site is filthy, and you're pregnant. Why don't we send our servants to investigate first..."

Shen Zhinian had already gotten up and was walking towards the dressing table: "Precisely because it is late and chaotic, I should go even more."

"His Majesty's presence is drawing the attention of the entire palace. As an Imperial Noble Consort, how can I remain peacefully in Yongshou Palace?"

Handan and Fuqu knew that Shen Zhinian made sense, so they did not stop her. They quickly helped her change out of her nightgown and chose a dignified yet luxurious lilac-purple palace dress.

The hair bun doesn't need to be restyled; just tidy up the slightly loose sideburns and add a hairpin with a dangling ornament.

Her makeup was light, yet she possessed an undeniable air of authority.

Everything was kept simple, but it did not diminish the imperial concubine's demeanor in the slightest.

Yuanbao reported from the doorway, "Your Majesty, the palanquin is ready."

Shen Zhinian nodded, took Handan's hand, and walked outside.

Once on the palanquin, Han Dan and Fu Qu stood on either side, carrying glass palace lanterns for illumination.

Yuanbao and several capable eunuchs, including Xiao Zhouzi, followed closely behind.

Yongshou Palace is right next to Taiji Hall, and Shen Zhinian's entourage arrived earlier than all the other concubines.

Even before getting close, you can smell the burnt odor in the air.

Shen Zhinian saw the firelight that illuminated the night sky.

The Imperial Guards stood in rows, their figures numerous.

The shouts of those trying to put out the fire, the splashing of water, and the muffled thuds of collapsing beams and pillars mingled together.

Shen Zhinian raised her hand, signaling the sedan chair to stop at an appropriate distance.

This position allows for a clear view of the general situation inside the courtyard without obstructing firefighting or the actions of the Imperial Guards.

Shen Zhinian's gaze swept over the mess.

The main house's frame had been burned beyond recognition, turning into a smoky ruin.

Water stains and ash created a scene of utter chaos.

Finally, her gaze settled on the figure standing in front of her with his hands behind his back.

Nangong Xuanyu stood with his back to Shen Zhinian, his posture as upright as a pine tree.

Li Changde and Zhan Weiran were whispering something to him.

The emperor's aura was frighteningly low.

Seeing that the time was right, Shen Zhinian stepped forward.

Upon seeing her, the imperial guards ordered them to step aside and bow in greeting: "May Your Highness the Imperial Noble Consort enjoy boundless blessings and peace!"

Shen Zhinian came up behind Nangong Xuanyu and bowed gracefully: "Your Majesty, I pay my respects!"

Nangong Xuanyu turned around and saw that it was her. His cold expression softened slightly, and he reached out to help her up: "No need for formalities."

"You're pregnant, why did you come here? It's late and the dew is heavy, be careful not to get hurt."

Shen Zhinian rose with the emperor's help, looked up at him, and said with concern, "I heard that Yawen Garden was on fire when I was in Yongshou Palace, and I was very worried. I was even more concerned when I heard that Your Majesty had come in person."

"Managing the inner palace is my duty. I cannot sleep soundly no matter where something happens. I must see it with my own eyes to feel at ease."

Nangong Xuanyu was in a state of turmoil. He patted the back of her hand and said, "You're kind, but your health is more important. Go back and rest."

As the two were talking, the entourages of the other concubines arrived one after another.

Consort Zhuang, Consort Xian, Consort Xuan, Consort Mei...

There were also some lower-ranking nobles and attendants.

The crowd stepped forward to pay their respects, expressing their concern for His Majesty in a cacophony of voices.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects! I was terrified to hear that the Yawen Garden was on fire!"

"Your Majesty's health is of utmost importance. The smoke and dust here are thick; please take care!"

"How could Yawen Garden catch fire for no reason? It's truly unbelievable."

"..."

Nangong Xuanyu was already upset because of the fire, and now being surrounded by this group of women, listening to their exclamations and condolences, whether genuine or feigned, only made him feel extremely irritated.

They weren't genuinely concerned about the fire or his safety; they were just using it as an excuse to come closer.

They might be gathering information or trying to make their presence felt.

Nangong Xuanyu's expression grew increasingly cold and sullen from the noise!

"Oh dear, the Imperial Noble Consort is here too."

Consort Mei had obviously rushed over as well, wearing a palace dress made of red satin with begonia flowers. Her hair was slightly loose, which added to her languid charm.

Her affectionate eyes fell on Shen Zhinian, her words laced with laughter yet subtly piercing: "Your Majesty is pregnant and has to manage such a vast harem, working tirelessly day and night. You've already had enough to do."

"Why would you come to a place like this in the middle of the night, with all this smoke and fire?"

"What if you get tired, or get hurt by something unclean?"

Consort Mei spoke sincerely, and every word she uttered seemed to be for the sake of the Imperial Noble Consort.

But to a discerning eye, every word sounds like a barb hidden in cotton...

At the scene of the fire, her mention of Shen Zhinian managing the harem was a blatant hint to everyone—

With such a huge blunder occurring in the harem, doesn't Shen Zhinian, the Imperial Noble Consort who holds power over the six palaces, bear any responsibility?

Consort Zhuang's expression changed instantly!

She repeatedly urged Consort Mei to remain calm and composed in the palace. The Imperial Noble Consort had deep roots; how could she be easily provoked?

Consort Mei has only enjoyed the Emperor's favor for a few days, and she really thinks she can surpass the Imperial Noble Consort? How dare she cause trouble in this kind of setting!

As expected, Nangong Xuanyu's already gloomy face suddenly turned icy cold after hearing Consort Mei's words!

He looked at Consort Mei, the coldness in his eyes instantly silencing the surroundings: "Insolence!"

"Yawen Garden is where deposed concubines are imprisoned. The guards and soldiers are responsible for its security. What does it have to do with the Imperial Noble Consort managing the harem?"

"You show no compassion for the Imperial Noble Consort's hardships during her pregnancy, yet you spout nonsense and spread rumors!"

The emperor's cold gaze made Consort Mei shiver, and her charming smile instantly froze.

These days, she enjoys constant imperial favor and is unparalleled in the harem, hearing nothing but flattery all around her.

Along with this, they also lost some of their reverence for the Imperial Noble Consort who lived a secluded life to prepare for childbirth, and instead developed a more arrogant thought of replacing her.

Consort Mei believed that His Majesty now favored her charm...

But at this moment, the emperor's merciless rebuke extinguished her smug pride completely...