The emperor frowned, clenched his fists unconsciously, and anger burned in his eyes.

He slowly stood up, his voice low and cold, every word seemed to carry a chill: "This is definitely not accidental."

He glanced around, his eyes piercing, sending shivers down the spines of those present. The Emperor took a deep breath and spoke in a firm, commanding tone, "I will investigate this thoroughly and show no mercy!"

When Concubine Hua heard the emperor's words, her body stiffened slightly and her brows frowned instantly.

She quickly lowered her head, her fingers twisting together unconsciously.

After a moment, she took a deep breath, raised her head, and her face returned to its usual composure. A hint of subtle panic flashed in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by determination.

Concubine Hua straightened her back, folded her hands on her legs, and looked at the emperor calmly, as if the strange thing just now had never happened.

Zhen Huan looked at Shen Meiyu thoughtfully, secretly thinking about something in her heart.

The emperor looked around at everyone, his eyes majestic and firm.

He spoke slowly, his voice deep and powerful: "My beloved concubines, it's getting late. Please go back and rest. I want to stay here with Mei Zhuang."

Upon hearing this, Concubine Hua's eyes flashed with resentment, but she quickly regained her composure. She bowed slightly and said softly, "I obey your command."

The other concubines bowed and took their leave. Zhen Huan was the last to leave, and before she left, she gave Shen Meizhuang a meaningful look.

After everyone left, the emperor walked over to Shen Meizhuang and gently held her hand.

His voice was gentle: "Mei Zhuang, I will find out the truth."

Shen Meizhuang looked up at the emperor, tears welling in her eyes. She said softly, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

The emperor reached out and stroked her cheek, his eyes full of pity: "I will always be with you."

Shen Meizhuang lowered her head, tears silently sliding down her cheeks. She sobbed softly, her shoulders trembling slightly.

Seeing this, the emperor couldn't help but feel pity. He reached out and gently stroked Shen Meizhuang's back, saying softly, "Meizhuang, don't cry. I'm here, everything will be fine."

Shen Meizhuang raised her tear-filled eyes and looked at the emperor. She choked and said, "Your Highness... Your Highness is just afraid..."

The emperor held her in his arms and comforted her softly, "Don't be afraid. With me here, no one can hurt you."

Shen Meizhuang leaned against the emperor's chest, her tears soaking his robe. Her voice trembled, "Your Majesty... I don't know what to do..."

The emperor stroked her hair gently and said firmly, "I will give you an explanation. Just rest assured and take good care of yourself."

Shen Meizhuang looked up at the emperor, her eyes gleaming with gratitude.

Shen Meizhuang raised her head, tears glistening in her eyes. She gently grasped the Emperor's hand, her voice soft but firm, "Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful for your kindness."

The emperor's eyes were gentle as he stroked her cheek. "Mei Zhuang, there's no need to be so polite. I will definitely give you justice."

A shrewd look flashed in Shen Meizhuang's eyes. She then lowered her head and said in a choked voice, "I only hope to live a peaceful life and not be bullied anymore."

The emperor's expression was firm as he held her hand tightly. "I promise you, from now on, no one will dare to touch you."

Shen Meizhuang looked up at the emperor, her eyes full of gratitude and attachment: "With your words, I have nothing to fear."

She leaned against the emperor's arms and whispered softly, "I will take good care of myself and live up to the emperor's kindness."

Shen Meizhuang leaned against the emperor's chest, appearing calm on the surface, but a complex mix of thoughts surged within her. She recalled her experiences when she first entered the palace, and couldn't help but feel a wave of fear and regret.

She was so naive back then. Upon entering the palace, she offended Concubine Jing and became a pawn in the Emperor's war against Concubine Hua. She thought she could navigate the complexities of the harem with ease, but she hadn't realized she had already fallen into a dangerous vortex.

Hua Fei's torture made her suffer, and Zhen Huan's cold observation made her even more heartbroken. The two life-and-death crises were like two heavy hammers, completely shattering her fantasy of the harem.

Shen Meizhuang sighed inwardly and vowed to herself: From now on, she must act with caution and protect herself. She no longer expected to bring much benefit to the family, but only hoped not to drag her family down.

Wanfang Anhe

Su Peisheng quickly walked up to the emperor and knelt respectfully. He raised his head and lowered his voice:

"Your Majesty, I have verified some important clues."

The emperor stared at Su Peisheng with a sharp gaze: "Speak."

Su Peisheng took a deep breath and said slowly: "Fuling's family did receive a sum of money. After investigation, it was confirmed that it was sent by someone from the Nian Mansion."

The emperor frowned and clenched his fists unconsciously.

Su Peisheng continued to report: "That imperial physician Liu Bin has absconded. It seems he is also one of Concubine Hua's men."

The emperor stood up suddenly, his eyes burning with anger: "It must be Concubine Hua's doing!"

He strode to the window, his back to Su Peisheng, and said in a low and cold voice: "Keep investigating, and you must find conclusive evidence."

Su Peisheng quickly responded: "Yes, I will do my best."

The emperor turned around, his eyes like a knife: "This matter must not be made public. You must handle it yourself."

Su Peisheng bowed his head and accepted the order: "I understand, and I will definitely live up to the emperor's trust."

The emperor stood in front of the window, his eyes deep and his heart filled with complex emotions.

He knew that Hua Fei's actions were unforgivable, and he was so angry that he wanted to banish her to the cold palace immediately. However, reason soon prevailed.

He closed his eyes and sighed deeply.

Nian Gengyao was fighting for him on the front line. As Hua Fei was Nian Gengyao's sister, touching her at this time would be tantamount to cutting off one's own arm.

The emperor had to admit that he still needed the power of the Nian family at the moment.

The emperor turned his gaze towards Shen Meizhuang, feeling a surge of guilt in his heart.

He knew that this was extremely unfair to Shen Meizhuang. She was an innocent victim but could not get justice immediately.

The emperor secretly vowed to seek justice for her in the future.

He clenched his fists, a glint of determination flashing in his eyes. For now, he could only endure it temporarily and wait for the right time.

The Emperor silently thought of apologizing, hoping Shen Meizhuang would understand his difficulties. He secretly made up his mind to double compensate her for the grievances she had suffered in the future.

The Emperor stood by the window, his gaze deep, his mind swirling with thoughts. He recalled the hardships Shen Meizhuang had endured, and a wave of guilt and pity welled up in his heart. Although he couldn't punish Concubine Hua immediately, he was determined to give Shen Meizhuang the compensation and care she deserved.

The emperor took a deep breath, turned, and summoned Su Peisheng. His voice was low and firm: "Pass on my decree, Shen Meizhuang is promoted to Huipin. The canonization ceremony will be held after she finishes her confinement." He paused, a hint of tenderness in his eyes. "Also, go to my private storehouse and select some fine medicinal herbs to send to her for nourishment."

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like