Chapter 184 Standing Trial

Chapter 184: Under Interrogation

"This humble servant greets Consort Li. His Majesty summons you to the Hall of Government Affairs."

Upon hearing this, Consort Li froze, a nameless and indescribable fear rising within her.

Though she couldn't pinpoint the cause, she knew that Emperor Jingyang summoning her at this moment boded no good.

"Could it be that Imperial Physician Zhu has exposed me?"

This thought took root in her mind, refusing to leave, and a profound terror appeared in her eyes.

Just then, Matron Sun entered from outside, having heard the sounds of things crashing from Consort Li's chamber and sensing trouble. She hurried over to grab her.

"Consort Li, please don't panic. The matter hasn't been finalized yet. Imperial Physician Zhu wouldn't dare betray you—his entire family's lives are in your hands."

"Think about it: Imperial Physician Zhu was the one treating Prince Ye, and he is the one who said those words. This has nothing to do with you!"

"Moreover, if Imperial Physician Zhu had truly exposed you, His Majesty would have sent men to seize you, not merely summon you."

"So, until this matter concludes, you must not panic and lose your composure. No matter what His Majesty or Imperial Physician Zhu says, you must stick to your story that Prince Ye's situation has nothing to do with you."

"You are his mother; you would never harm him."

Consort Li pulled herself out of her panic, forcing herself to calm down and taking a deep breath.

"Yes, I am his mother. How could I possibly harm him?"

"Even if Imperial Physician Zhu exposes me, who would believe a mother could harm her own son?"

"Jian Lan, help me with my makeup. I am going to see His Majesty."

Regaining her composure, Consort Li sat gracefully on the chair, allowing Jian Lan to prepare her appearance.

Jian Lan knew that Consort Li would need to play the victim before His Majesty, so her makeup should not be too refined—the paler the better.

Thus, she applied a heavy layer of powder to Consort Li's face and lightened her lips, making her look sickly.

Consort Li changed into a simpler, more subdued dress and, accompanied by Jian Lan, headed to the Hall of Government Affairs.

"Imperial Physician Zhu, have you truly done your utmost in treating Prince Ye these past three years? Why did you pronounce a death sentence on him? Was someone behind this?"

As soon as she entered, Consort Li heard Emperor Jingyang's words, nearly stumbling over the threshold in shock.

Thankfully, Jian Lan steadied her. "Consort Li, please be careful."

Consort Li's face was delicate and pale as paper, her lips bloodless. She walked with a cough every few steps, like a fragile, ailing flower in the wind.

Seeing her like this, Emperor Jingyang felt pity well up in his heart, believing she was heartbroken and not yet recovered from her illness.

Consort Li was about to kneel to perform the ritual greeting, but Emperor Jingyang waved his hand dismissively. "No need to kneel."

"My beloved consort, you are still unwell. Why didn't you take the sedan chair?"

Consort Li bit her nearly colorless lips, and tears rolled down her cheeks like pearls.

She fell to her knees with a thud. "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I can still manage it—I'm not so delicate that I need a sedan chair."

"Your Majesty summoned me—has something happened to my son, Prince Ye?"

Her expression was anxious, her snowlike face showing a hint of sickly pallor. She pressed her hand to her heart in distress, her entire body trembling as if she would fall at any moment.

She seemed afraid to hear Emperor Jingyang's next words, terrified of news that Luo Junhe had met with misfortune.

But no one knew it was all an act.

Before coming, she had already learned from Jian Lan that Luo Junhe was nearly recovered; this was merely a show for Emperor Jingyang.

Her purpose was to convince him that she knew nothing about Luo Junhe's situation.

Ji Yuntang watched coldly, sneering inwardly.

If she hadn't known Consort Li's true nature, such masterful acting might have fooled even her.

Emperor Jingyang was utterly convinced. Seeing Consort Li weep like a pear blossom in the rain, his heart ached as if bleeding, and he longed to hold her in his arms and comfort her.

But with so many people present, he couldn't bring himself to do so, even with his thick skin.

He quickly ordered Eunuch Zhang, "Zhang Fugui, bring a seat for Consort Li at once."

Then, gazing at her affectionately, he said, "My beloved consort, do not worry. Prince Ye is fine; he is out of danger. All this is Imperial Physician Zhu's doing—he deliberately spread false news to deceive everyone. Now, the Empress and I are interrogating him."

Consort Li looked up, as if relieved, a flicker of joy on her face.

"Really, Your Majesty? He'er is really all right?"

Emperor Jingyang nodded approvingly. "Of course. When have I ever deceived you?"

"Prince Ye is well. You must take care of yourself. Look how thin you've grown these days—you don't like the food in Weiyang Palace?"

Luo Qingge listened to their exchange and rolled her eyes at least ten times in a corner others couldn't see.

Look at this! They were supposed to be interrogating Imperial Physician Zhu, but the moment Consort Li arrived, her father's eyes were glued to her, forgetting the matter at hand.

Luo Qingge's eyes ran over Consort Li, and she curled her lips in disgust.

Though Consort Li appeared slender and tall, her figure was actually quite full—she was quite curvaceous.

How was she supposed to see that Consort Li had lost weight? She seemed even more womanly than before.

Glancing at her own mother, the Empress, who had truly lost weight, Luo Qingge felt indignant—and yet Emperor Jingyang, that blind man, couldn't see it.

Unlike the Empress, Consort Li didn't have to manage the harem or vie for favor; thus, her face showed no trace of fatigue, making her look several years younger than others.

Now, being publicly cared for by Emperor Jingyang, she didn't feel flattered at all; instead, she found it extremely troublesome.

The looks from the other concubines were practically cutting into her.

She lowered her head slightly and coughed a few times. "No, the food in Weiyang Palace is fine. I've been sick lately, so I don't have much appetite."

The Empress had endured long enough. She turned and looked at Emperor Jingyang in displeasure.

"Your Majesty, if you wish to show concern for Consort Li, you may do so privately in Weiyang Palace after the interrogation."

"This is the Hall of Government Affairs. So many princes, princesses, consorts, and noble ladies are present. Showing Consort Li such intimate concern in front of everyone doesn't seem quite right, does it?"

Emperor Jingyang was displeased but realized he'd overdone it. He snorted, trying to save face.

"Hmph! Consort Li is Prince Ye's mother. It is her worry for his health that has left her qi stagnant and she caught a cold illness. Is there anything wrong with me showing her a little concern?"

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