bookcurios Chapter 1693 This position of Prefect of the Capital is no longer necessary.
Chapter 1693 This position of Prefect of the Capital is no longer necessary.
Li Changde's heart skipped a beat: "Yes! This servant obeys the decree!"
He knew that His Majesty was truly enraged this time.
It is extremely rare in recent years to directly mobilize the power of the Prefect of the Capital and the Military Command of the Five Cities to investigate and deal with rumors in a high-profile manner.
This shows the weight the Imperial Noble Consort holds in His Majesty's heart, and the extent of His Majesty's fury over this matter!
Nangong Xuanyu added, "Tell the Prefect of the Capital that no matter what method he uses, I want to see results within three days."
"If they can't find out, he's no longer fit to be the Prefect of the Capital!"
Niannian has already suffered so much injustice, he absolutely will not allow rumors to hurt her any further!
"Yes!"
Fine beads of sweat appeared on Li Changde's forehead. He dared not say more and quickly withdrew to deliver the imperial decree.
Nangong Xuanyu raised his eyes to look at Shen Maoxue, his tone softening slightly: "Minister Shen, I am already aware of this matter, and I will definitely investigate it thoroughly and show no leniency!"
"The Imperial Noble Consort is doing well in the palace. I will increase the number of guards at Yongshou Palace and will never allow these sordid matters to disturb her pregnancy."
"You can go back with peace of mind. I know the Shen family is loyal."
Shen Maoxue bowed deeply, knowing that his purpose had been achieved: "Your Majesty's discerning eyes are extremely clear, and I am deeply grateful!"
"With His Majesty standing up for the Imperial Noble Consort, we are naturally at ease."
"My minister retire."
After Shen Maoxue left the imperial study, Nangong Xuanyu sat alone behind the imperial desk and rubbed his temples.
His beloved needs his care right now.
Those rats in the gutter dared to take this opportunity to throw such vicious filth at her!
Who is it? !
Nangong Xuanyu's eyes flashed with a cold light: "Guards!"
Xiao Huizi immediately stepped forward: "Your Majesty."
"Show off."
Nangong Xuanyu stood up and said, "Let's go to Yongshou Palace!"
"Yes!"
……
Yongshou Palace.
Shen Zhinian was leaning against the soft couch by the window, holding a miscellaneous book about local customs and products, reading it casually.
Sunlight streamed through the clear window curtains, casting a soft glow on her, making one feel somewhat drowsy.
Yuanbao walked in, his face showing barely suppressed joy. He leaned closer and reported, "Your Majesty, I just heard that after the morning court session this morning, Minister Shen went to the Imperial Study to meet His Majesty alone."
Shen Zhinian raised her eyes: "Oh? Do you know why?"
Yuanbao laughed and said, "Although I can't find out what was said in the Imperial Study, the fact that Lord Shen went to see His Majesty at this time is most likely because of those outrageous rumors outside."
"His Majesty values the Empress most; upon hearing this, he will surely be furious!"
"I reckon none of those gossiping bastards hiding in the gutter will escape!"
Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Shen Zhinian's eyes.
She originally thought that her father would join forces with the Xia family to secretly guide and investigate at the grassroots level, minimizing the impact of the rumors.
This is consistent with his cautious and prudent approach.
Unexpectedly, he was so direct this time, bringing the matter directly to Nangong Xuanyu's attention.
This method...
After a moment's thought, Shen Zhinian's lips curved into a slight smile.
It may seem a bit rough, lacking in finesse and subtlety, but it is the most powerful move in the current situation.
To directly appeal to the emperor is tantamount to elevating the private affairs and slanderous rumors of the harem to the level of defying the emperor's authority and cursing the imperial heirs.
In this way, the investigation and public disclosure are unprecedented in scale. This not only quells rumors and exposes the mastermind behind the scenes in the fastest possible time.
More importantly, this was the emperor personally backing her up, the clearest protection and affirmation for her and the child in her womb.
After this incident, those lurking thoughts that were stirring up trouble in the shadows will at least have to restrain themselves a bit.
Although the father took a risky step, it hit the nail on the head.
Ginger, indeed, the older the better.
Just as Shen Zhinian was about to say something, Li Changde's announcement came from outside: "His Majesty has arrived—!!!"
Shen Zhinian's eyes flickered slightly, and she immediately put down her notes and stood up with the help of Fuqu and Handan.
Today she wore a light cherry-colored ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) embroidered with magnolia branches, over which she wore a moon-white vest with subtle patterns. Because she was in the inner room, her hair was loose, with only a single, exquisite jade hairpin worn at an angle.
Without makeup, her skin appeared even more radiant, and her eyes and brows exuded the unique gentleness and languor of a pregnant woman.
As Shen Zhinian led the palace servants to the entrance of the main hall, that familiar figure in black strode in.
Nangong Xuanyu's expression was solemn, but when his gaze fell on Shen Zhinian, the chill between his brows and eyes melted away as quickly as ice and snow under the spring sun.
Shen Zhinian curtsied and said, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects..."
"Near."
The emperor called out and stepped forward. Before Shen Zhinian could perform the full curtsy, he reached out and supported her, saying, "You are heavy-hearted, so these formalities are unnecessary."
Shen Zhinian's voice sounded somewhat aggrieved: "Why did Your Majesty come at this hour today? Aren't you busy with state affairs?"
Nangong Xuanyu took her hand and felt a slight coolness at her fingertips.
Looking more closely at her face, although she tried her best to remain calm, the slight sorrow between her brows could not escape his eyes.
Thinking of those malicious rumors, which may have already reached Niannian's ears, and how long they had caused her to be secretly distressed and fearful.
His guilt intensified, and his anger surged once more!
No matter how busy I am, I should still come to see you.
Nangong Xuanyu led Shen Zhinian into the inner room: "I heard some unsettling noises outside. Have they reached the palace?"
Shen Zhinian was led by the emperor to sit down on the soft couch, and her eyelashes trembled slightly upon hearing this.
She lowered her eyes and didn't answer immediately, but instead gently squeezed his hand back.
This subtle movement seemed to be seeking support, or perhaps it was a silent expression of grievance.
"Don't be afraid, Niannian."
Nangong Xuanyu pulled Shen Zhinian into his arms, letting her lean on his shoulder. His deep voice sounded in her ear, soothingly saying, "I know all those filthy words."
"I have ordered the Prefect of the Capital and the Military Command of the Five Cities to conduct a thorough investigation. Anyone who spreads this information will not be let off lightly! We will definitely find the mastermind behind it and clear your name."
"My Imperial Noble Consort is virtuous and kind. She has borne me an heir, which is a great achievement and a great blessing!"
"Those lies about hindering and eliminating dissidents are pure nonsense. It's just that some people can't stand to see you doing well, or that they can't stand to see me happy."
"Don't worry, with me here, no one can harm you or the child in the slightest."
After all, the child of the Chu family and the Feng family was an illegitimate child, not an imperial heir.
Even if Madam Chu hadn't unexpectedly miscarried, he would have eliminated their illegitimate child just like he had dealt with Madam Feng!
Niannian shouldn't be made to take the blame.
Shen Zhinian leaned quietly against Nangong Xuanyu's chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, the familiar scent of ambergris lingering around her nose.
After a long while, she spoke softly: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty didn't really care about those gossips."
"Those who are innocent will remain innocent. Your Majesty, I only wish to give birth to my child safely, serve Your Majesty well, and manage the harem well."