Ch 58: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

Shen Yunxuan, seeing the emperor immediately coming to check on her, smiled warmly. “Your Majesty, I am fine. Please don’t worry.”

The emperor breathed a sigh of relief. Knowing someone was targeting Shen Yunxuan and noticing the bloodstains on the scene, he had feared he might arrive too late to prevent her from being harmed. After scrutinizing her closely and confirming she was indeed unharmed, he frowned and asked, “What exactly happened here?”

The empress, with a composed expression, replied, “Your Majesty, we were all admiring the flowers in the grove when Consort Li’s dog suddenly attacked Consort Lan’s maid. It was a terrifying scene, and everyone was startled—Consort Lan even fainted from fright. I have already instructed the imperial physicians to examine everyone, to ensure no one was adversely affected by the shock.”

The emperor raised an eyebrow, puzzled by the connection to Shen Yunxuan. “Consort Li’s dog bit Consort Lan’s maid? What was Consort Shu saying just now?”

Consort Shu feigned concern. “Your Majesty, I noticed that only Consort Shen’s face remained flushed among us, likely due to excessive excitement. I suggested she let the imperial physicians take a look, but for some reason, she seems unwilling to let them examine her.”

Shen Yunxuan smiled lightly. “Unwilling? I merely mentioned that I am perfectly fine and don’t need to be examined. Consort Shu must be overthinking.”

The scene instantly fell silent. The imperial physicians, holding their breath, dared not utter a word.

Shen Yunxuan’s boldness was striking. She had effectively challenged Consort Shu in front of the emperor, implying ill intentions on the latter’s part. Was there more to this simple suggestion of a medical checkup?

The emperor, far from reprimanding Shen Yunxuan, found himself intrigued. This was the first time he had seen a sharp edge to her usually gentle demeanor. Based on what he knew of Shen Yunxuan, this reaction suggested something unusual. His gaze shifted thoughtfully to Consort Shu.

Consort Shu, unwilling to back down, glared at Shen Yunxuan. “What are you implying, Consort Shen? Are you accusing me of meddling? I was merely expressing concern. Moreover, the empress has already ordered the imperial physicians to check everyone to confirm their well-being. If you refuse and fall ill later, wouldn’t it be unfair to blame the empress for neglecting you?”

Shen Yunxuan looked surprised. “So, you were concerned for me? Earlier, you mentioned I was the only one who looked different, with my flushed face while everyone else turned pale. Forgive me for misunderstanding—I thought you were insinuating that I was responsible for the dog attack. It seems I misread your tone.”

Consort Shu, unable to hold back any longer, snapped, “When have I ever insinuated anything? Consort Shen, don’t think you can abuse the emperor’s favor to speak recklessly in his presence!”

“Perhaps I simply don’t appreciate the way you speak,” Shen Yunxuan responded calmly. “Ever since you called me a ‘commoner’ earlier, I’ve felt your tone was insincere. But if, as you say, you meant no harm, I owe you an apology for misunderstanding. I will try to adapt to such expressions of concern in the future.” She then politely curtsied to Consort Shu.

Consort Shu was incensed. Dealing with Shen Yunxuan felt like punching a pillow—there was no effective way to retaliate. Her earlier mocking remarks about Shen Yunxuan’s hobbies had indeed been inappropriate, but she had never expected Shen Yunxuan to confront her so openly before the emperor. Looking toward the emperor, she found his expression unreadable, offering her no support.

After listening to their exchange, the emperor led Shen Yunxuan to a seat and turned to the matter at hand. “Was the dog’s attack intentional? Have you found anything?”

An imperial physician stepped forward and reported, “Your Majesty, it seems the dog was provoked by a specific scent, which caused it to lose control and attack.”

Consort Li, pale and shaken, quickly clarified, “Your Majesty, Snowball has been with me for two years and has never behaved like this. If it was provoked, it’s strange that it happened so suddenly after we had been together for a while. Why would it target that maid?”

Recalling the earlier events, Consort Li hesitantly added, “Perhaps someone intended to harm Consort Shen. The maid almost collided with her, but luckily, her attendant protected her in time. Snowball then rushed toward the maid. If Consort Shen hadn’t stepped aside, she might have been the one injured.”

The emperor frowned. “The dog initially targeted Consort Shen?”

This seemed unusual. If the dog was provoked to attack, it should have focused on a person rather than a location. How did its target shift? Was there something suspicious about the spot?

Imperial physicians were sent to examine the area where the maid was attacked, but the bloodstains on the ground made it difficult to find anything conclusive.

Suddenly, Qingzhi knelt and said, “Your Majesty, I have a theory. The maid never collided with Consort Shen, nor did Consort Shen blame her. She could have simply left. However, she knelt and crawled forward, bowing as if to apologize, almost touching Consort Shen’s skirt.

“If the maid had something on her that emitted a scent to provoke the dog, she may have intended to transfer it onto Consort Shen’s skirt, luring the dog toward her.”

Consort Lan, who had just regained consciousness, quickly interjected, “What nonsense are you spouting?” She stumbled forward, knelt, and pleaded anxiously, “Your Majesty, please see clearly—this concubine has no enmity with Consort Shen, and my maid would never dare harm her. This is utterly baseless!”

The emperor’s gaze swept over everyone present. It was clear that this incident involved many individuals. The thought that Shen Yunxuan might not have dodged in time, ending up like the maid—bitten, scarred, and frightened—darkened his expression further.

“Li Defu.”

“Your servant is here!”

The emperor spoke coolly, “Separate and interrogate all palace staff present. Ask what they saw and heard, and whether they’ve noticed anything suspicious recently. Search the bitten maid, her quarters, and investigate her background thoroughly. Also, inspect the place where Consort Li keeps her dog and everyone who has access to it.”

One directive after another was issued, leaving the empress and Consort Shu anxious. Neither had anticipated the emperor’s arrival, let alone his decision to launch such a thorough investigation. After all, it was just a dog biting a maid—what was there to investigate? Yet because Consort Li suggested the dog had nearly attacked Shen Yunxuan, the emperor was now fully committed to uncovering the truth. His favoritism toward Shen Yunxuan was undeniable.

Their carefully laid trap—designed to expose Shen Yunxuan’s alleged deception about her health and fertility, causing her to fall out of favor—had backfired into an investigation of the dog attack. Whether or not they were implicated, the effort would cost them allies and resources, while Shen Yunxuan remained unharmed. It was a disastrous loss.

Consort Shu, unable to swallow her frustration, resolved to push forward. If the emperor adored Shen Yunxuan this much, then now was the time to expose her deception, ensuring the greatest punishment.

True to her bold nature, Consort Shu declared, “Your Majesty, the imperial physicians have yet to finish checking everyone. Shall we continue?”

She glanced at the empress, who remained silent, clearly opting to distance herself from the situation. Consort Shu gritted her teeth and continued, “Several sisters were clearly frightened. Once the physicians confirm their condition, they can be prescribed calming tonics.”

The emperor nodded. “As Consort Shu suggests.”

Consort Shu immediately turned to Shen Yunxuan. “This time, Consort Shen won’t misunderstand my intentions, will she?”

Shen Yunxuan smiled lightly. “Of course not. Consort Shu, like the empress, is genuinely concerned for everyone’s health. We should all be grateful for such care.”

The empress’s expression faltered slightly. This Consort Shu—always seeking to stand out. Yet, if Consort Shu insisted on meddling, it was best to let her and Shen Yunxuan clash, reinforcing the perception of their rivalry. That way, if suspicions arose in the future, the emperor would first consider them as culprits.

Just as Consort Shu prepared to argue, Shen Yunxuan added, “But I’m rather resilient. I often take supplements and maintain my health well, so there’s no need for concern.”

It was clear to all that the two were sparring. But what was the reason? Was it merely about the medical check? Or was it that Consort Shu, feeling slighted, sought to assert dominance over Shen Yunxuan, who refused to yield?

The minor concubines dared not intervene, fearing collateral damage. Only Noble Lady Liu, aligned with Consort Shu, cautiously ventured, “So Consort Shen takes supplements often? Is it for maintaining her health?”

Sensing the attention, she quickly knelt. “Please forgive this concubine’s rashness, Your Majesty, Empress. I was simply startled upon learning this and misspoke.”

Consort Shu seized the opportunity. “Consort Shen frequently takes medicine? Is a healthy person in need of constant medication?”

At that moment, Li Defu returned and hesitated before reporting, “Your Majesty, during the questioning, one of the maids claimed that Consort Shen is physically unwell and unlikely to conceive.”

Li Defu hated to voice such a claim in public, but with witnesses present, including the empress’s and Consort Shu’s people, he had no choice. He could only brace for the consequences, thinking this revelation might spell doom for Shen Yunxuan and the Shen family.

“What? Unlikely to conceive?” Noble Lady Liu gasped. “Then the supplements must be to treat her condition?”

The empress and Consort Shu exchanged the faintest smirks, knowing their plans were unfolding. Now, they only needed the imperial physicians to confirm Shen Yunxuan’s supposed deception.

The emperor instinctively turned to Shen Yunxuan. Ever since he met her, she had always appeared vibrant and full of energy—certainly not someone who seemed unwell.

Shen Yunxuan, seemingly just as shocked, asked, “Your Majesty, who is this maid? How could she spout such nonsense?”

“Bring her here,” the emperor ordered. His thoughts churned. It was clear this was a carefully orchestrated scheme: part one being the dog attack and part two accusing Shen Yunxuan of infertility. Either outcome would tarnish her reputation as a favored consort.

However, whom to favor was his decision alone. When he first ascended the throne, he hated being manipulated or constrained. No matter who set a trap to control him, he would never let them succeed.

When the young maid was brought forward, Consort Lan was visibly shocked. “You said Consort Shen is unlikely to conceive? How could you possibly know that?”

The young maid turned out to be from Consort Lan’s household, and the realization sent a cold sweat down her back. Even a fool could see she had been drawn into a conspiracy and was likely to become the scapegoat. Trembling, she knelt before the emperor and tearfully pleaded, “Your Majesty, I know nothing about this. She never spoke of such matters in my presence!”

The empress, assuming a commanding demeanor, began questioning the maid.

The maid, appearing thoroughly terrified, stammered, “I… I don’t know if it’s true. It’s just… my family has a neighbor who works for the Shen household. They said that before Consort Shen entered the palace, she fell seriously ill, damaging her health. Since then, she has been taking medicine daily. They pitied her and mentioned she might… might struggle to conceive… I only shared what I heard; I truly don’t know if it’s true or not.”

The emperor asked coldly, “You were brought in to answer questions about the dog attack. Why did you mention this?”

The maid prostrated herself on the ground, trembling. “Because I… I was facing Consort Shen when the dog charged. I saw her maid pull her aside, and later, she refused to have her pulse checked. It suddenly occurred to me that perhaps… perhaps Consort Shen intended to fall ill afterward, so she could attribute her physical issues to this incident and conceal… conceal…”

Her voice faltered, but everyone present understood the implication. Conceal what? Of course, the alleged crime of deceiving the emperor when entering the palace! If she truly had health issues, why would she dare to enter the palace? The answer seemed to be that she hoped to recover through treatment, but realizing her condition hadn’t improved, she allegedly devised a scheme to feign illness and cover up her condition.

With just one bribe to a physician, the plan could have easily succeeded.

Several consorts looked toward Shen Yunxuan. If this reasoning were true, her efforts to befriend Consort Li, express interest in pets, and invite Consort Li’s dog to her palace frequently would make sense. Everything would align, except for the unexpected twist of the empress summoning all imperial physicians to check the consorts’ pulses, which left Shen Yunxuan no choice but to refuse.

If that were true, both Shen Yunxuan and her family had committed the grave crime of deceiving the emperor.

In the palace, conclusive evidence was often unnecessary. Ambiguous accusations could suffice for judgment. Many believed the matter was nearly settled. Whether this was a self-devised act by Shen Yunxuan or an intentional exposé by others, her alleged infertility seemed credible. Otherwise, why would the maid make such claims?

Consort Chen and Consort Li both looked worriedly at Shen Yunxuan. Consort Li’s face was even paler; if Shen Yunxuan lost favor, her dog, the spark of this incident, would undoubtedly bear the emperor’s wrath and face certain death. She could barely hold herself upright, collapsing into a kneeling position.

Shen Yunxuan didn’t rush to defend herself. Instead, she looked at the emperor, curious about his reaction. To her surprise, he was already watching her, his gaze calm and unchanged, as if nothing had happened.

She was momentarily stunned. After all that had been said, the emperor still trusted her? Why?

The empress and Consort Shu, noticing the emperor’s lack of response and focus on Shen Yunxuan, both looked displeased. The empress rebuked the maid, “Nonsense! According to your claims, both the Shen family and Consort Shen are guilty of deceiving the emperor? Absurd! Speak! Who instructed you to frame Consort Shen?”

The maid quickly responded, “Your Majesty, Empress, I swear I speak only the truth. I didn’t accuse Consort Shen of deceiving the emperor. I merely shared what I heard and my suspicions. I am at fault for speculating and will never do so again. I wouldn’t dare frame Consort Shen, let alone with something that could be disproven with a single pulse check. Please, have mercy!”

Her words cleverly positioned her as someone speaking out of misguided loyalty, even casting doubt back on Shen Yunxuan. After all, if her claims were false, why didn’t Shen Yunxuan allow the physicians to check her pulse and clear her name?

Before the empress could say anything, Shen Yunxuan smiled wryly. “It seems I must allow a pulse check today. Very well, let all the imperial physicians examine me and deliver a collective diagnosis.”

She chose not to rely on a single physician, in case one had been bribed, ensuring that no one could fabricate results.

The emperor, now intrigued, found himself piecing things together. This was clearly a scheme, likely orchestrated by the empress or Consort Shu, aiming to charge Shen Yunxuan with the serious crime of deceiving the emperor.

The emperor knew that Shen Yunxuan had fallen ill after being frightened by Shen Yu, but he wasn’t certain if her health had been compromised. Considering the elaborate setup to have Shen Yunxuan’s pulse publicly examined, it seemed likely her adversaries had concrete information to act upon. However, Shen Yunxuan’s calm demeanor puzzled him—what was she relying on?

At this stage, the emperor nodded, signaling the imperial physicians to proceed with her pulse examination.

The empress and Consort Shu, both having connections with the physicians, had instructed them to exaggerate any issues they found. Yet with so many physicians present, any coordinated deceit seemed difficult. Still, if Shen Yunxuan had a genuine health issue, particularly infertility, it would surely be apparent to all.

The two women glanced nervously at Shen Yunxuan. Why did she seem so composed? Infertility and deceiving the emperor were grave crimes. Was there a flaw in their information? With so many physicians, Shen Yunxuan couldn’t possibly bribe them all—so why wasn’t she afraid?

The imperial physicians, aware of Shen Yunxuan’s favored status, proceeded cautiously, understanding the stakes. The first physician hesitated as soon as he took her pulse. He carefully checked again before stepping aside, his expression neutral.

The second physician exhibited a similar reaction upon feeling her pulse, leaving the observers holding their breaths. If there were no issues, the physicians wouldn’t be so visibly startled, would they? The empress and Consort Shu exchanged subtle smiles, anticipating validation of their suspicions.

Once all the physicians had completed their examinations, the empress asked, “Well? Do you need to confer among yourselves?”

The head physician stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, Your Highness, there is no need for discussion. Consort Shen’s pulse is unmistakable—she is carrying a child. She is more than one month pregnant.”

“What?!” Consort Shu shot to her feet, her face drained of color. Unable to suppress her shock, she exclaimed, “She’s pregnant? Are you certain there is no mistake?”

Another physician stepped forward and calmly replied, “Consort Shu, all of us have confirmed the pregnancy. Moreover, Consort Shen is in excellent health—arguably the best we have encountered in years.”

The other physicians nodded in agreement, explaining that they had initially expected to find major health issues based on the accusations. To their surprise, not only was Consort Shen pregnant, but her body had evidently been carefully nurtured, showcasing remarkable vitality.

The emperor, after a moment of astonishment, was overtaken by joy. Taking Shen Yunxuan’s hand, he asked, “You’re truly with child?”

Shen Yunxuan sighed softly. “Yes, Your Majesty. I had my suspicions over the past few days but wasn’t entirely sure. I planned to have it confirmed when you next visited Anhe Palace. I didn’t want to announce it today, especially amidst the injuries and distress caused. However, Consort Shu insisted on the pulse examination, and someone even spread malicious rumors about my health and intentions.”

She glanced at him earnestly, her voice steady. “This was an unnecessary ordeal. I hope Your Majesty will grant me justice.”

“Rest assured, you shall have it!” the emperor declared firmly. He turned to Li Defu and asked, “What is the status of the investigation?”

Li Defu, buoyed by the revelation of Shen Yunxuan’s pregnancy, responded loudly, “Your Majesty, the investigation has revealed that the maid’s fingernails contained powder known to agitate dogs into a frenzy. Upon interrogation, the maid confessed that Consort Lan, envious of Consort Shen’s favor, intended to use Consort Li’s dog to harm her. Additionally, servants from Consort Lan’s palace confirmed that she has privately belittled Consort Shen on several occasions.”

Consort Lan, pale and trembling, cried out her innocence, her voice hoarse from pleading. Though she admitted to envying Shen Yunxuan and speaking ill of her in private, she swore she had no part in the plot. Despite her protests, the mounting evidence against her left her cornered.

The young maid, the catalyst of the accusations, was visibly terrified, her back soaked with cold sweat. She continued to claim ignorance of any conspiracy, suggesting instead that Consort Lan may have overheard her gossiping about the Shen family and taken advantage of it. Nonetheless, the emperor ordered her subjected to further interrogation to uncover the full truth.

Soon, the investigators returned with more findings, including a hairpin belonging to Consort Lan, discovered in the possession of the maid who had suggested bringing the dog. The maid confessed that Consort Lan had given her the hairpin as payment for persuading Consort Li to bring the dog.

With the evidence piling up, Consort Lan could no longer defend herself and fainted on the spot.

The emperor, observing the tense faces of the gathered consorts and servants, declared, “Li Defu will conduct a thorough investigation into this matter.”

The empress and Consort Shu, who had been tightly gripping their handkerchiefs to maintain composure, subtly relaxed, believing the situation to be nearing its end. Other consorts also sighed in relief, eager to leave the tense atmosphere. However, just as they prepared to take their leave, the emperor spoke again.

“Consort Shen has displayed exemplary wisdom and virtue since entering the palace. Her discovery of new foods has benefited the people and the state. Now, with her carrying the imperial heir, I bestow upon her the title of ‘Xian,’ placing her at the head of the four consorts.”

The room fell into stunned silence. Consort Shu’s face twisted momentarily in anger. Of the three consorts, she was the only one with a title, and now Shen Yunxuan’s title outranked hers. The emperor’s declaration was a direct rebuke to her authority.

Meanwhile, Shen Yunxuan, thrilled by the unexpected honor, gracefully knelt to express her gratitude. Though she had not anticipated receiving such a significant reward, she was delighted by the tangible benefits it brought.

Seizing the opportunity, she asked the emperor, “Your Majesty, this is my first pregnancy, and neither I nor my attendants have experience with such matters. Might I request an experienced nanny to guide us?”

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