King Jingyang couldn't bear to disturb him for a moment. However, after a while, Nangong Lie's voice rang out, "I heard that the Imperial Aunt was assassinated last night."
Upon hearing this, King Jingyang froze. Nangong Lie continued, "Although I detest my Imperial Uncle's decision, the Imperial Aunt is, after all, innocent."
King Jingyang gritted his teeth. Did Nangong Lie's words mean he intended to stand up for the Empress?
"Imperial Brother, you... you shouldn't do this," King Jingyang said, suppressing his anger.
Nangong Lie looked up, his expression complex as he gazed at King Jingyang. "Imperial Brother, I know your affection for the Imperial Sister runs deep, but the Imperial Aunt is, after all, my lawfully wedded wife, and I cannot disregard our marital bond. My Imperial Uncle made a wrong decision, and I don't blame the Imperial Aunt. However, the Empress is my legitimate Imperial Sister-in-law. If I allow the Empress to act recklessly, how can I maintain my dignity?"
King Jingyang clenched his fists. "Imperial Brother, do you truly intend to interfere in this matter?"
"Imperial Brother, I am not interfering, but I will not allow the Li sisters to bully the Imperial Aunt," Nangong Lie said calmly, his eyes deep and unreadable.
Hearing Nangong Lie's words, a hint of mockery flickered across King Jingyang's face. Those in the royal family were all heartless and unfeeling. How could Nangong Lie say such things if he wasn't trying to protect the Empress?
"Heh," King Jingyang let out a cold laugh. "Then, Imperial Brother, what if the Imperial Aunt truly met with an accident?"
Nangong Lie's expression changed drastically. "Imperial Brother..."
"Imperial Brother, please don't forget that the fetus in the Imperial Sister's womb is not the Imperial Heir. Are you trying to tell me, Imperial Brother, that the child the Imperial Sister is carrying is not yours at all?"
King Jingyang pressed on aggressively. Nangong Lie's expression turned grim. "Imperial Brother, I do not like it when people question my child."
"Imperial Brother, if the Imperial Sister gives birth to a son, whose is the throne?" King Jingyang asked directly and sharply. Nangong Lie was immediately rendered speechless.
Nangong Lie fell silent. He had been contemplating this issue all these days.
Whether the Empress was pregnant or not, he knew better than anyone.
He had already ordered people to examine the Empress's body. Her health had indeed improved significantly, and under normal circumstances, she could conceive and give birth.
However, his worries went beyond this.
When exactly did the Imperial Sister conceive? This matter was too strange!
"Imperial Brother..." After a long pause, Nangong Lie slowly uttered two words, a dark glint flashing in his eyes.
"This subject will take his leave," King Jingyang said plainly and turned to go. However, he suddenly stopped. "The Imperial Sister said that this subject should not overexert himself recently and requested that the Imperial Sister hand over the management of the inner palace affairs to this subject."
Upon hearing this, a flicker of surprise crossed Nangong Lie's eyes.
King Jingyang was not only his Imperial Brother but also his most trusted Imperial Uncle. Nangong Lie had never doubted King Jingyang's abilities.
King Jingyang's request to manage the inner palace affairs astonished Nangong Lie. After all, although the Empress was virtuous, she was still the Empress, and it was impossible for her to truly hand over the management of the household to King Jingyang.
Yet, at this moment, he agreed without hesitation.
Recalling the Empress's words last night, King Jingyang's heart trembled. He then cupped his hands. "Imperial Brother, this subject bids farewell."
"Imperial Uncle, go slowly."
Nangong Lie nodded, and King Jingyang left Qian Yuan Hall.
In the side hall of Qian Yuan Hall, Consort Yun was reclining on a chaise lounge. The wound on her right shoulder blade had not healed, and after being attacked by assassins last night, the wound had reopened. Today, she could barely exert any strength with her entire right arm.
"Empress, the Emperor has already sent people to investigate the matter. I believe the results will be known soon," Consort Yun murmured softly, gently stroking her still rounded belly.
"Mother Consort..." Before Consort Yun could finish speaking, Qiu Xiang, Consort Yun's personal maid, hurried in and knelt respectfully beside the bed. "Reporting to Your Ladyship, the Second Prince and the Third Prince request an audience."
"Oh?" Consort Yun's eyes flickered, and then she smiled. "Let them in."
"Yes." Qiu Xiang bowed and withdrew from the room. A moment later, she led King Jingyang and Jing Yan inside.
"Your Subject / Imperial Son pays respects to Empress Dowager," King Jingyang and Jing Yan said in unison.
Consort Yun smiled faintly and waved them to rise.
"Imperial Brother, why have you returned so quickly today? Does the Emperor have any decrees to convey?"
King Jingyang shook his head. "No. I merely have a private matter to discuss with Imperial Brother."
"A private matter?" Consort Yun raised an eyebrow. "Imperial Brother, if you have something to say, please speak freely. This Consort will listen attentively."
"Imperial Brother, do you recall why Imperial Sister suddenly disappeared in Nan Chu five years ago?" King Jingyang asked.
Upon hearing this, Consort Yun's heart skipped a beat. She calmly lowered her eyelids.
Five years ago, after the Emperor of Nan Chu ascended the throne, the Empress had died of illness. She had thought the Empress had vanished without a trace and would never return, so she had not paid any attention to the matter.
Now, her guess had finally come true. The Empress was indeed alive and had returned. But why had she returned?
Consort Yun's mind churned. The events of last night suddenly flashed through her mind.
The Empress was the Emperor's favored concubine, but after staying in the palace for a long time, she had gradually become a jealous woman. The Empress was resentful that the Emperor slept at the Imperial Noble Consort's residence every night. Therefore, the Empress feigned illness and confined herself to bed, using the opportunity to prevent the Emperor from going to the Imperial Noble Consort's residence. She also used the excuse that the First Imperial Grandson was seriously ill and needed the Emperor's company to keep the Emperor at the Imperial Noble Consort's palace.
Although this scheme was despicable, it was enough to make the Emperor feel guilty.
She hadn't expected that the Emperor would actually stay overnight at the Imperial Noble Consort's palace.
Now that the Empress had returned to the palace, who knew what storms would arise.
After a long period of contemplation, Consort Yun raised her eyes to look at King Jingyang. "Imperial Brother, this Consort is not aware of this matter. Why do you suddenly mention it?"
"This matter is a long story..."
Before King Jingyang could finish speaking, hurried footsteps sounded from outside the door.
"Your servant pays respects to the Emperor."
Upon hearing the announcement, Consort Yun's heart skipped a beat. Her eyes filled with anticipation as she looked towards the main door. Sure enough, in the next second, Nangong Lie, clad in a bright yellow dragon robe, walked in.
Consort Yun quickly rose to greet him. "Your Emperor is auspicious."
Nangong Lie nodded and sat in the main seat. He looked at Consort Yun, then glanced at King Jingyang and Jing Yan. "I heard you have something to see me about?"
"Yes," King Jingyang cupped his hands.
Nangong Lie's brows furrowed slightly. "The Empress is unwell. If you have nothing important to discuss, there is no need to bother me further."
King Jingyang pursed his lips. "Imperial Brother, it concerns the Imperial Sister."
"The Imperial Sister's matter?" Nangong Lie's eyes deepened. "The Imperial Sister is unwell and should not be overtaxed. If you have something to report, just tell me."
Nangong Lie's attitude was firm, clearly showing his distrust of Nangong Che and Shen Wanning.
King Jingyang's face showed hesitation. After a long pause, he said, "Imperial Brother, it seems the Imperial Sister knows about the Imperial Sister's whereabouts among the commoners. Moreover, it is said that someone deliberately revealed it to the Imperial Sister, which is why she pursued that black-clothed assassin."
Upon hearing this, Nangong Lie's eyes narrowed abruptly, and his expression turned grim. "Are you saying that the Empress deliberately spread rumors to lure out the assassin?"
"Yes," King Jingyang nodded.
Nangong Lie snorted coldly, his anger immense. "This is simply preposterous! She is the dignified Empress of Nan Zhao, how could she be so wicked as to deliberately spread such news?"
"Imperial Brother, the Empress's status is noble, and it is inevitable that some will covet it."
"Empress..."
Just as Nangong Lie was about to say something, Consort Yun interjected at the opportune moment. "Your Emperor, since things have developed to this point, this Consort believes that Your Emperor should immediately convene the court ministers to discuss how to handle this matter. Otherwise, it might be detrimental to the Imperial Sister and the Imperial Heir!"
Consort Yun's words caused Nangong Lie to fall into contemplation.
"I will issue an imperial decree now to summon all civil and military officials to an audience."
"Father Emperor, wait."
"Is there anything else?"