Chapter 1913 - 1910: Irony
Chapter 1913: Chapter 1910: Irony
But she was still waiting for Minister Qi to speak first, she needed to know more news from the Imperial Court.
"The miscarriage of Consort Jie, was it really unrelated to you?" Minister Qi bluntly asked, his voice carrying a severity.
Reminding her not to lie to him.
Upon hearing this, Imperial Concubine Qi Zhao Yi was infuriated: "Father, how can even you suspect me!"
"I did not do it, I only found out that wench was pregnant again after the incident."
"Really?" Minister Qi breathed a sigh of relief, his attitude no longer so severe: "My lady, I’m also doing this for your own good."
"Today I encountered that Grand Tutor Deng fellow, and it seems he has evidence pointing to you, regardless of how the other side is framing you, your top priority now is to thoroughly check your people, and ensure this matter is not linked to you."
Though unwilling to admit it, Emperor Xuanming has indeed been favoring Consort Jie lately, whereas Imperial Concubine Qi Zhao Yi has not been favored for quite some time, and given her age, she fears she may not be able to bear children.
Imperial Concubine Qi Zhao Yi understood her father’s hint, and her face turned pale.
She had not been sleeping or eating well lately, her complexion was haggard, and she even had a few strands of gray hair.
Now she was so angry that her heart, liver, spleen, and lungs all ached.
"I will check carefully." Imperial Concubine Qi Zhao Yi took a deep breath, calmed down, and said, "Father, there is something I need your help to investigate."
"I find Consort Jie a bit strange."
"What do you mean by that?" Minister Qi was initially prepared to leave after reminding her.
Upon hearing this, he paused slightly, with a bit more anticipation.
If they could grasp some incriminating evidence against Consort Jie, combined with evidence against the Deng Family, would the Imperial Harem not then be under the control of the Qi family?
He squinted slightly, calculating in his mind.
Consort Jie cannot be favored any longer, given the arrogant nature of the Deng Family, if Consort Jie were to be favored any longer, the Deng Family might have the audacity to act directly against the Qi Family, which would become troublesome then.
"That wench Consort Jie used to pretend to be very fond of the Emperor in front of us, but how could a woman of the Imperial Harem easily give her heart, let alone that benefit-driven wench Consort Jie."
"But recently, one wonders if losing her rationality from the Emperor’s favor, she indeed seems to have developed some genuine feelings."
"Do you think such a change in her, for what reason could it be?" Imperial Concubine Qi Zhao Yi could not comprehend: "Moreover, logically speaking, once that woman became pregnant again, she would definitely be cautious, barely stepping out of her quarters."
"Though Ding Jieyu supposedly slipped on wet petals in the Imperial Garden, it feels like something is off."
"Moreover, Consort Jie has had a miscarriage, with the Emperor’s usual attitude, he should be disappointed in her." Imperial Concubine Qi Zhao Yi spoke of Emperor Xuanming, feeling more sarcasm at heart, having no choice but to acknowledge that when she became associated with Emperor Xuanming, she learned that he liked talent, clever people, and those who understood the circumstances.
He most disliked foolish people, especially among the women in the Imperial Harem.
For such incidental miscarriages among the palace concubines, Emperor Xuanming had cold-shouldered countless.
Yet this time, Emperor Xuanming truly felt heartache for Consort Jie.
Last time, she even saw with her own eyes the Emperor carrying Consort Jie back to the palace, her blood staining the Dragon Robe.
This single event had a massive impact on Imperial Concubine Qi Zhao Yi.
A ruler usually so rational in emotions, suddenly taking a liking to a palace concubine?
What could be more ironic.
Imperial Concubine Qi Zhao Yi only felt a desolate sadness, her hand gripping the handkerchief tightly, her eyes harboring a resentment even she hadn’t realized.