An Shi suddenly collapsed, and the other women in the palace were taken aback, not quite processing the situation.
What was even more surprising was the severity of the punishment. She was demoted from a First-Rank Consort to a Ninth-Rank Cainu, a significant drop in status.
It was also unexpected that Ming Jieyu went to Jingqian Palace to plead for An Shi, yet the Emperor did not lessen her punishment.
This inevitably led to speculation among the courtiers. While no one was clear on the details, it was assumed that An Shi must have committed more than just the offense of having safflowers. Otherwise, given the Emperor's favor towards her, such a harsh penalty would not have been imposed.
However, no one dared to investigate further, especially since the Emperor had chosen not to disclose the matter, indicating that it must be something sensitive.
In the end, An Shi was knocked unconscious and stuffed into a carriage to be sent back to the palace.
Meanwhile, the Eldest Prince was so frightened by his birth mother's situation that he fell ill with a high fever and was unable to move, so he had to be temporarily cared for by the Empress.
As An Shi returned to the palace, a secret letter quietly made its way into the hands of Tai Gufei in Ci'an Palace.
Within two days, Baishuang, the chief palace maid serving An Shi, hanged herself. The official explanation was that she could not bear the humiliation. It was said that after An Shi's demotion, her temperament changed drastically, often resorting to beating and scolding the servants. Baishuang could not endure it any longer and chose to end her life.
This news reached Lingxi Garden, and upon hearing it, Ning Chen displayed no visible reaction. It seemed that forcing a servant to death was indeed something An Shi was capable of doing.
In Wutong Hall, the Empress had just returned from the side hall after checking on the Eldest Prince.
"I see that this child, without his mother's protection, might not survive; he's as thin as a cat," she remarked.
"An Shi brought this upon herself. She had a child but did not protect him properly while still hoping for undiminished favor. Once jealousy overwhelms a person, losing their rationality, everything is lost," Ding Momo commented.
The Empress sat down and accepted the teacup she handed over, taking a sip. "Is Momo reminding me of something?"
Ding Momo smiled and performed a graceful curtsy.
"Your Highness is wise and holds the esteemed position of the Empress. Being favored is naturally a good thing, but the Emperor's affection for you is merely the icing on the cake. As long as you remain steady in that Phoenix chair, everything will be fine. Those who are jealous and petty are merely the concubines."
"I understand what Momo is saying, but after all, he is my husband. How can I... how can I not care at all?"
Looking at the pair of dragon and phoenix bracelets on her wrist, the corners of the Empress's eyes turned slightly red. This pair of bracelets had been personally put on her by Ning Chen during their wedding; she had always worn them and had never taken them off.
Ding Momo watched with a pained expression, sighing and squatting down to comfort her.
"Your Highness, which legitimate wife does not go through life like this? At least our Emperor is a wise ruler. Although he favors concubines, he also holds you in the highest regard."
"The Emperor has always valued relationships, both towards me and others. Even after An Shi did such a thing and was demoted, the Emperor still protected her from being bullied by others. While it may appear that she is under house arrest, if it were not for this, the women in the harem would likely tear An Shi apart."
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The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 2)
Tiểu thuyết Lịch sửNote: This is a translated novel by me (Xiao Bai) Title: 贵妃她千娇百媚 Ye Yun was supposed to be the prince's concubine, but due to the sudden death of the late emperor, her entry into the palace was delayed for over a year. She entered the palace with th...
