"Attention! Yun Fei is blessed with pregnancy, and from this day forth, she shall be elevated to the rank of Imperial Noble Consort, equivalent to that of a Deputy Empress. For the time being, all matters of the harem will still be managed by De Fei until the Imperial Noble Consort safely gives birth, at which point a transition will occur."
De Fei accepted the command, and at that moment, the newly appointed Imperial Noble Consort gradually regained consciousness from her stupor, performing a heartfelt display of joy upon learning of her pregnancy.
Luo Bai, despite being a eunuch and currently in control of Si Li Jian, could still move freely throughout the harem. He stood to one side, his gaze fixed intently on Yun Zhi Yue as she exchanged affectionate glances with the Emperor.
The poison coursing through his heart made Ming Huang's presence increasingly unbearable. If he were to strike at this moment, it would be him sitting beside Yun Zhi Yue instead.
At this moment, he felt a sense of confusion. Should he cling to his path of power or seek a place where only the two of them could start anew? Power had been something he craved since childhood; only by grasping it could he feel secure. Could he truly let it go?
As he glanced at Yun Zhi Yue's belly, for the first time, Luo Bai felt his deeply rooted thoughts begin to waver.
After Yun Zhi Yue expressed her desire to speak privately with the Emperor, everyone else withdrew.
The Emperor took Yun Zhi Yue's hand and comforted her, saying, "Consort, is there anything else troubling you? You are with child now and cannot bear any distress. Speak freely; I will ensure justice is served."
Suddenly choked with emotion, Yun Zhi Yue replied, "Your Majesty, a few days ago when I visited Qin Wang Fu, I was threatened by Qin Wang Shizi. He said your days are numbered and urged me to frame the Master of the Seal. What should I do?"
As Yun Zhi Yue recounted her troubling experience, the Emperor's expression darkened with rage while his face grew pale.
Every day, someone checked on the Emperor's health; if any foul play had occurred without detection, it would surely involve something sinister. It seemed only those from the underworld would understand such matters better.
That night, all Royal Shadow Guards left the palace and dispersed.
The candlelight in Yao Xian Palace never extinguished as Yun Zhi Yue and the Emperor spoke for a long time.
The next day, when the Emperor began court proceedings, it was absurd that Yun Zhi Yue sat beside him with a smile that exuded grace while looking at the ministers.
The court officials exchanged glances until one stood up and said, "Your Majesty, it has always been forbidden for those in the harem to interfere in court matters. The Imperial Noble Consort is pregnant with Longzi; her esteemed status warrants that she return to her chambers to rest."
The Emperor's expression remained impassive, but shadows lurked in his eyes.
"My heirs are few; at this age, there is only one child in the Imperial Noble Consort's womb. Her status does not require your commentary; I will personally ensure Huang Er is raised well."
The ministers exchanged furtive glances. It seemed His Majesty was frightened by the sordid affairs of the harem and feared this child might not survive either; thus he intended to watch over her closely.
But could she really accompany him during morning court?
Yanguan furrowed her brows. "It is a rule that the inner palace must not interfere. Your Majesty, we understand your concern for the safety of the heir, but there are laws in the kingdom. Please be cautious."
The Emperor nodded amiably, "Take him out and behead him!"
The hall fell silent as the Ministers were still in shock when the Imperial Guards entered and dragged Yanguan away.
Yanguan's face changed dramatically as she exclaimed, "Your Majesty, spare me! I do not know what crime I have committed!"
The Emperor burst into laughter. "You don't know what crime? Hahaha! Consort, what do you think his crime is?"
The deep Zhi Di Huang had already been provoked into a frenzy, while Yun Zhi Yue was immersed in the drama, and Yao Mei smiled.
It was indeed a Great Disrespect Crime. This world belongs to His Majesty; even if he were to go against heaven itself, no one has the right to question his caution.
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