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

"Anyone suspected of wrongdoing must be apprehended and interrogated. We must dig three feet into the ground to find those cowardly rats hiding in the shadows!"

"I want to see who has the audacity to play this trick of colluding with foreign powers in the capital!"

Shen Maoxue and the Qin family officials responded in unison, "Your Majesty is wise!"

After venting his anger, Nangong Xuanyu took a deep breath.

The most urgent task is to identify the hidden dangers and at the same time appease the officials who have been implicated.

He looked at the Qin family officials and said, "I am aware that the Qin family has been implicated by rumors and suffered an injustice."

"Qin Mingyuan has been diligently performing his duties in Qi and Lu. The rumors arose from the troubles in the north, and it is not your fault."

"The temporary relocation of Consort Qin was a stopgap measure to quell the controversy. Now that the matter has been investigated and the Qin family is undoubtedly innocent, her rank should be restored."

The Emperor said to Li Changde, "Li Changde, immediately draft an edict to restore Qin's rank and all her treatment as before. She shall move back to Yonghe Palace to live immediately."

"In addition, ten bolts of Shu brocade, one bushel of pearls, and a pair of white jade ruyi scepters are bestowed as a token of consolation."

Li Changde bowed and replied, "I obey your order!"

He knew that His Majesty's move was not only an attempt to appease, but also a gesture to show the court and the public.

Loyal ministers should not be slighted, and those who have been wronged will surely be exonerated.

Upon hearing this, the Qin family officials all breathed a sigh of relief.

Intelligent people know that His Majesty's previous punishment of Consort Qin was not only because the evidence pointed only to the Qin family, but also because he wanted to take the opportunity to put pressure on the Qin family.

Now that the purpose of the warning has been achieved, the emperor will naturally give a slap followed by a reward. At the same time, this will make the Qin family even more loyal and assist in the investigation of the Xiongnu.

But no one said it out loud.

The Qin family officials knelt down, saying, "Your Majesty, we thank you for your wise investigation!"

"Your Majesty's great favor is something the Qin family will never forget! We will certainly do our utmost to serve the court and repay Your Majesty's kindness!"

Nangong Xuanyu raised his hand: "Rise."

"This matter is not yet over. We need you all to work together with the court to find the traitor and cleanse the capital region."

"We would gladly die a thousand deaths!"

……

Shuiyue Pavilion.

Lü Ying was directing two young palace maids to wipe the window frames, a lingering melancholy etched on her brow.

Since you moved here, my lady has become much quieter.

Lüying knew that the Qin family had been wronged and the young mistress had been demoted and moved to another palace, so she must be feeling terrible.

As a servant, all she could do was to keep Shuiyuexuan clean and bright, hoping that the dark clouds would dissipate soon.

While I was busy working, I suddenly heard footsteps coming from outside the courtyard gate.

Upon seeing Li Changde, Lü Ying's eyes were filled with surprise.

Is the arrival of His Majesty's chief steward a blessing or a curse?

Behind Li Changde followed two eunuchs carrying brocade boxes.

Without thinking too much, Lü Ying quickly went to greet him: "Eunuch Li."

"Miss Greenlight".

Li Changde politely asked, "Is Consort Qin here? I've come to convey His Majesty's decree."

Concubine? Your Highness?

Greenie's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly replied, "Yes, yes! This servant will go and inform them right away!"

Qin Shuyan had already heard the commotion outside and came out of the inner room.

"Your Highness Consort Qin, receive the imperial decree—"

Qin Shuyan vaguely realized something and quickly led the palace servants to kneel down.

Li Changde unfolded the bright yellow imperial edict in his hand, cleared his throat and read aloud: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The Qin family comes from a prestigious family in Qi and Lu. They entered the palace and strictly adhered to etiquette, being gentle, respectful and prudent, and have no faults whatsoever."

"However, due to the framing of treacherous officials, rumors suddenly arose, and we were temporarily moved to a separate residence to await investigation. It is not that I was unaware of the situation, but rather that this was an expedient measure to quell public opinion and reassure the people."

"Now, after gathering evidence from various sources, the truth has become clear. The Qin family has always been loyal and devoted to the country, which is evident to all. They are truly innocent and have been wronged by this unfounded slander."

"The title of Consort Qin shall be restored, and she shall remain in the position of Mistress of Yonghe Palace. All ceremonial rites and rituals shall be restored to their former status."

"I hereby bestow upon you ten bolts of Shu brocade for clothing; one bushel of Eastern pearls to enhance your splendor; and one white jade ruyi scepter, symbolizing smooth sailing in all things and peace of mind. So be it!"

Hearing the imperial edict, Lü Ying felt reassured and couldn't help but feel tears welling up in her eyes.

God bless!

The Qin family has been exonerated!

The Empress has been reinstated!

Even though Consort Qin knew in her heart that the Qin family would not sit idly by and wait for their doom, and that her father would find out the truth.

But upon hearing the imperial decree to clear her name, the heavy weight that had been pressing on her heart finally disappeared.

She took a deep breath, kowtowed, and said, "Your Majesty, I, Qin Shi, thank you for your great kindness! Long live Your Majesty!"

After the ceremony, Li Changde personally stepped forward and handed the imperial edict to Consort Qin, smiling and bowing, saying, "Congratulations, Consort Qin!"

"His Majesty specifically instructed that the Empress has been wronged."

Consort Qin stood up, handed the imperial edict to Lüying, and carefully put it away, a smile appearing on her face: "Thank you for making this trip, Eunuch Li."

"Please convey my gratitude to His Majesty for his concern, Eunuch Li."

Luying immediately stuffed a heavy purse into Li Changde's hand.

Although Li Changde was a servant, he was one of the emperor's closest confidants. Countless concubines and mistresses in the palace tried to curry favor with him.

Li Changde did not accept rewards from everyone.

But he knew that since Consort Qin had been wronged this time, His Majesty would surely compensate her, and he was happy to make a good connection with her.

Li Changde accepted the purse and respectfully said, "Thank you, Consort Qin."

"This servant will certainly convey Her Majesty's words."

The palace servants at Shuiyue Pavilion began to busy themselves preparing to move back to Yonghe Palace.

Lü Ying commanded with composure, her face beaming with an undisguised smile.

Consort Qin looked at the scene before her, and her mood had completely calmed down.

She had no romantic feelings for His Majesty, so she wasn't saddened by the injustice she suffered; instead, she became more aware of the dangers of the inner palace.

Although Consort Qin was aware of the situation, the inner palace was not allowed to interfere in politics, and she did not want others to know. She had already discussed this matter extensively with the Qin family.

Consort Qin hesitated for a moment, then looked at Li Changde, who had not yet left, and asked with feigned doubt, "Eunuch Li, who exactly is behind these rumors?"

"The rumors were rampant both inside and outside the palace. Now that His Majesty has issued an edict to clarify, he must have found the root of the problem."

Li Changde bowed slightly and said, "In response to Consort Qin's question, according to the investigation by Minister Shen and the other officials of the Qin family, it seems that the rumors are the work of the Xiongnu."

"His Majesty is furious and has ordered a thorough investigation into whether any villains in the capital are colluding with foreign enemies to stir up trouble."

"I am not clear about the specific details of the case. In any case, His Majesty is wise and will not wrong the loyal and good, nor will he let the wicked go unpunished."

Consort Qin did not press further and nodded, saying, "I see."

"Your Majesty is wise and will handle the matter properly."

"Thank you, Eunuch Li."

Li Changde said, "Your Highness, Consort Qin, you flatter me."

After saying a few more polite words, he took his leave with his entourage.

Seeing them leave, Lüying's eyes sparkled, and she couldn't help but say, "Your Majesty, we can go back to Yonghe Palace now, that's wonderful!"

Shuiyue Pavilion is a side hall of Chuxiu Palace. The feeling of being dependent on others is ultimately unpleasant.