Chapter 333: Offended

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“King Cheng, when making accusations, one needs evidence. You’ve said so much, but where is your proof?”

Before Emperor Qi Ming could speak, Consort Meng blurted out.

Upon hearing Xiao Nanye mention the secret establishment of a gambling den, panic filled Consort Meng’s eyes.

“Consort Meng, if you want proof, it’s simple. I have evidence right here,” declared Xiao Nanye.

Turning to someone outside, he commanded, “Han Feng, bring forth the testimonies.”

“Yes.”

A tense silence enveloped the palace hall.

Seeing Xiao Nanye’s demeanor, the Empress could no longer sit inside and with the assistance of her nanny, stood up to leave.

“Empress, why did you come out?”

“Queen Mother, why are you leaving?” Emperor Qi Ming rushed to her side when he saw her.

Smiling at Emperor Qi Ming’s outstretched hand, the Empress softly replied, “This matter is of great importance. Since it arose because of me, I should hear it out.” She then took a seat nearby.

“Your Royal Highness, you should rest and take care at this moment,” said Jiang Peihuan, taking a cloak from the nanny and draping it over the empress.

Feeling the warmth, the Empress gently patted Jiang Peihuan’s hand, smiling at her in appreciation.

Han Feng was swift. In the time it took to brew a cup of tea, he entered with two letters.

Han Feng came very quickly. In less than ten minutes, he came in with two letters.

“Let Imperial Brother take a look.”

Han Feng initially offered the letters to Xiao Nanye, but the latter declined with a simple gesture. So, Han Feng presented them to Emperor Qi Ming.

Upon reading the contents of the letters, Emperor Qi Ming’s expression changed dramatically. “How audacious of Zhao Guang! Does he even regard me at all?”

“Your Majesty, there must be a misunderstanding, please…”

“What misunderstanding? These are his own handwritten letters! Can I possibly be wronging him?”

Before Consort Meng could finish, Emperor Qi Ming angrily threw the letters onto her.

Upon reading the letter, darkness clouded Consort Meng’s vision, and she almost fainted.

Noble Consort Meng lowered her head and saw the contents of the letter. When she saw the contents, her vision went black and she almost fainted.

But she couldn’t.

“Your Majesty, there must be a misunderstanding. Guang Er wouldn’t dare, he…”

“Whether he has the audacity or not, perhaps Imperial brother you should have someone investigate further.”

Seated, Xiao Nanye observed Consort Meng’s panicked expression, speaking calmly.

Hearing this, Consort Meng glared at Xiao Nanye with a cold look, unable to counter, only gazing pleadingly at Emperor Qi Ming.

“I decree that Zhao Guang be thrown into the heavenly prison.”

“Consort Meng… for disrespecting the Empress, is to be confined for three months.”

When mentioning Consort Meng, there was still a hint of softness in Emperor Qi Ming’s eyes, as she had been his beloved for many years.

“Take her away!”

“Your Majesty…”

“Consort Meng, please leave.”

Seeing Consort Meng trying to reach for Emperor Qi Ming, Wang Kun promptly intervened.

Quickly, Consort Meng was dragged away by the eunuchs.

Then, Emperor Qi Ming looked at the group of side consort on the ground. He couldn’t bear to punish his beloved woman, but for these others, he had no such reservations.

“All of you, demoted to the rank of a mere concubine. If you don’t learn your lesson, leave for the Cold Palace.”

“Get lost!”

Hearing Emperor Qi Ming’s words, the concubines wanted to cry, but one glance at his eyes silenced them, and they hurriedly left.

In an instant, the entrance to the Kun Ning Palace was empty.

Once everyone was gone, Emperor Qi Ming turned to the Empress and said, “Yan Ran, I’m sorry you had to go through this.”

Conspiring against the Empress was a grave crime, but he couldn’t execute all of the side consort because they also served to balance the court’s politics. The Empress wasn’t surprised by the outcome.

Hearing the emperor’s words, she softly replied, “Your Majesty, please don’t say that. I don’t feel wronged.”

“Your Majesty, you must be tired too. You should rest. 1 need to rest as well.”

“Alright, then have a good rest.”

Saying this, Emperor Qi Ming started to leave. Seeing Xiao Nanye still sitting there, he impatiently said, “Come here!”

Only then did Xiao Nanye slowly stand up, “You talk with the Empress. I’ll come to get you later.”

Jiang Pei Huan nodded, and Xiao Nanye left with Emperor Qi Ming.

On their way to the Qianqing Palace, the Emperor’s patience wore thin, and he tried to kick Xiao Nanye. However, Xiao Nanye was prepared and dodged.

Almost stumbling, the Emperor was caught by Wang Kun, his attendant. Han Feng, standing at the entrance, couldn’t help but smirk at the scene.

“You… you dare to dodge?”

“Imperial brother, why resort to violence? Also, you are not my match.”

“Do you want to anger me to death? Why didn’t you discuss Zhao Guang’s matter privately? How can Meng Er have any pride now?”

Meng Er is Side Consort Meng’s intimate name.

Hearing this, a cold look flashed in Xiao Nanye’s eyes, “Had I discussed it privately, would you have acted against Zhao Guang?”

“You wouldn’t have. Even if you did, you’d have let it slide after Consort Meng pleaded a bit.”

“Imperial Brother, you must remember all these years, the one who managed the harem for you was the Empress. She was also the one by your side during tough times.”

“I don’t need reminders. 1 know how much the Empress means to me.”

“It’s good that Imperial brother knows. I’m afraid that Imperial brother has already forgotten about it.”

“Go, go, go… Get out! Seeing you gives me a headache.”

Upon hearing Emperor Qi Ming’s words, Xiao Nanye departed from Qianqing Palace without looking back. Watching his receding figure, the anger that Emperor Qi Ming had just managed to suppress surged to his head again.

“Look at him. Does he still see me as his elder brother in his eyes?”

Although fury was evident in Emperor Qi Ming’s eyes, the anger didn’t seem to penetrate deep into his soul.

Wang Kun, standing beside, laughed and said, “Your Majesty, King Cheng was raised by you. Though you are his elder brother, in his eyes, you are also like a father.”

“He is simply taking advantage of the indulgence I’ve given him.”

“But why does this young man hold such grudges?”

“Your Majesty jests. King Cheng is known for his magnanimous heart. How could he bear grudges?”

“You old fox, are you now lying to me too?”

“Do you think I’m unaware? He’s so protective of the Empress because she gave him some extra care when he was young..”