Rumor Has It That I'm Pregnant with His Highness' Child

Chapter 335: Visit

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

The old emperor’s face darkened and the corners of his mouth drooped. His gray eyes stared at Xiao Juan for a long time before he spoke.

“You make it sound righteous. In fact, you’re just standing up for Yu Niaoniao.”

“Xiao Juan, you’re selfish.”

Xiao Juan did not retort.

“As long as you’re human, you’ll definitely be selfish.”

The old emperor said in a low voice, “Your selfishness has affected your judgment.”

Xiao Juan said, “I want the person who made a mistake to apologize. Is that right?”

There was anger in the old emperor’s tone.

“But don’t forget that Noble Consort Shu is my concubine! If you let her apologize to Yu Niaoniao, it’s equivalent to embarrassing me!” Xiao Juan’s reply was neither servile nor overbearing.

“My thoughts are exactly the opposite of yours.”

“Not only would it not embarrass you if you asked Noble Consort Shu to apologize, but you would also let the world know what a fair and just emperor you are.”

“You are impartial and just when it comes to law enforcement. You won’t let a person off easily just because the person who made the mistake is your consort.”

“You set an example for the civil and military officials and are a role model for the world.’

“Even if this matter is recorded in the history books, later generations will only praise you for being upright!”

The old emperor knew that he was not in good health and that his lifespan should not be long, so he paid special attention to what the history books said about him.

He hoped to leave a good reputation. Even if he died eventually, he could still live a long life.

Xiao Juan’s words tickled his itch and tempted him.

If merely asking Noble Consort Shu to apologize could earn him a good reputation, this deal was too worth it!

As for whether Noble Consort Shu would be angry after that, that was not important. Anyway, she could not escape from the harem. He would reward her in private later and comfort her.

The old emperor’s brows gradually relaxed, and the expression on his face softened visibly.

“I don’t care what the future generations think of me. But what you just said does make some sense.”

“I have to let the world know that there are family rules and national laws.”

“Even a noble consort could not touch innocent people. Only if everyone can abide by the law can the country last long.”

Xiao Juan said respectfully, “Your Majesty is wise!”

The old emperor thought for a moment before speaking.

“She can apologize, but you have to know your limits. Noble Consort Shu is the biological mother of the Sixth Prince after all. You have to give her some respect.”

Xiao Juan quickly replied, “I understand!”

He paused before adding,

“Since I’m going to see Noble Consort Shu, why don’t I investigate the sachet

The old emperor frowned again. “Do you really think Imperial Concubine Yue was killed by Noble Consort Shu?”

Xiao Juan said, “Before the case is solved, I don’t dare to jump to conclusions.” “How are you going to investigate the sachet?”

Xiao Juan knew that he was worried that the matter would blow up and not be easy to clean up later, so he said.

“I just want Noble Consort Shu to cooperate with the investigation. I’m not certain that she’s the real culprit.”

“In order not to cause misunderstandings, I would not leak anything about the investigation. ”

“This time, I would only let the public know that I wanted to resolve the misunderstanding between Noble Consort Shu and Yu Niaoniao.” The old emperor was pleased with the answer. “Then do as you say.”

Xiao Juan said, “Thank you for your permission, Your Majesty.”

The old emperor glanced at Wei Huai’en, who was standing beside him. “Follow him.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Wei Huai’en knew very well that the emperor was worried that Duke Lang would make things difficult for Noble Consort Shu, so he specially sent him to follow Duke Lang and keep an eye on him to prevent unnecessary trouble.

Xiao Juan naturally knew this very well.

He got someone to send a message back to the Justice Department and asked Meng Xizhou to escort Yu Niaoniao into the palace.

Yu Niaoniao did not know why she wanted to enter the palace. She thought that something had happened in the palace and felt uneasy.

She was brought to Xiao Juan.

Beside Xiao Juan was Wei Huai’en.

Wei Huai’en bowed slightly to Yu Niaoniao. “Greetings, Princess Consort.”

Yu Niaoniao looked at Xiao Juan and then at Wei Huai’en, her face filled with confusion.

Xiao Juan took the initiative to explain.

“I asked you to enter the palace because of Noble Consort Shu.”

Then, he told her that the emperor already knew that Noble Consort Shu had plotted to harm her and asked the former to apologize.

Yu Niaoniao was very surprised. “The emperor actually asked Noble Consort

Shu to apologize to me? Am I dreaming?”

She was just a princess consort. When did she become so important?

Xiao Juan said warmly, “Of course not. The emperor is fair and strict. He definitely won’t let you suffer in vain.”

Yu Niaoniao hurriedly bowed in the direction of the Zhengde Hall.

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

Xiao Juan said, “Let’s go to the Startling Palace first. After we settle Noble

Consort Shu’s matter, I’ll bring you to the emperor to thank him.”

Yu Niaoniao nodded obediently. “Okay.”

Xiao Juan held her hand and walked towards the Startling Palace. Wei Huai’en followed behind them unhurriedly.

The group quickly arrived at the Startling Palace.

Noble Consort Shu had been grounded recently and the gates of the Startling Palace were closed. No one had visited her for a long time.

Today, someone suddenly knocked on the door. The eunuch in charge of guarding the door in the Startling Palace was rather surprised.

When he looked out through the crack in the door and saw Duke Lang, his wife, and Wei Huai’en, his heart skipped a beat.

The other party had a high status and he was just a eunuch. How could he dare to disregard him? He hurriedly opened the door and invited him in. Then, he hurriedly ran to report to Noble Consort Shu.

Noble Consort Shu was teasing the parrot.

If she called out “Empress”, the parrot would respond by saying “idiot”.

She was so amused that she couldn’t stop smiling. “This little thing is too interesting!”

At this moment, Liu Zhi rushed in and whispered.

“Your Highness, Duke Lang, the Princess Consort, and Eunuch Wei Huai’en are here.”

The smile on Noble Consort Shu^ts face immediately disappeared.

She did not like the Duke Lang couple at all.

If only Duke Lang was here, Noble Consort Shu would not even want to see them. However, it was different if Wei Huai’en came with them.

Wei Huai’en was the emperor’s most trusted eunuch. Even someone as arrogant and despotic as Noble Consort Shu had to restrain herself when she saw him usually.

Now that he had accompanied Duke Lang and his wife to the Startling Palace, it meant that this matter should have been approved by the emperor.

Noble Consort Shu knew that whether her punishment could be lifted was up to the emperor. Therefore, she did not dare to lose her temper and instructed Liu Zhi.

“Let them in.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Soon, Xiao Juan, Yu Niaoniao, and Wei Huai’en were brought to Noble Consort Shu.

Even though Noble Consort Shu was prepared, her expression stiffened visibly when she saw Xiao Juan and Yu Niaoniao.

She pretended to drink her tea to hide her awkwardness.

By the time she put down her teacup, her expression had returned to normal.

She straightened the hem of her sleeves, raised her chin slightly, and spoke slowly with an arrogant expression.

“You don’t visit unless there’s something important. Why did you suddenly come to the Startling Palace?”

Xiao Juan said, “We need your cooperation on two things..”