Consort Song, having regained her senses, changed from sitting to kneeling, clutching Chongwen Emperor's leg. "Your Majesty, this concubine knows she was wrong. Please spare me, no, no, you don't have to spare me, spare my brother! Leave some bloodline for the Song family."
"You know you were wrong now? Why didn't you use your brain and think more before?" Chongwen Emperor intended to admonish her.
"Yes, yes, yes, this concubine was brainless before." Consort Song agreed wholeheartedly.
Seeing her like this, Chongwen Emperor was amused and exasperated.
"A Nian, investigate Consort Song's brother's matter. See if there's any hidden reason behind it?" Chongwen Emperor said.
Gu Sinian glanced at him, somewhat unwilling. One thing after another, was he trying to work himself to death? He already had so many tasks piled up, he didn't even have time to properly accompany Zhen Zhen.
"They didn't do anything wrong. Can you bear to see them die? To put it bluntly, aren't they implicated by me?" Chongwen Emperor said.
Gu Sinian: You admit they are all implicated by you? The older you get, the more indecisive you become.
"Alright, alright, stop complaining. By the way, about the Eldest Prince, tell him and see how he handles it!" Chongwen Emperor said.
"Yes." Gu Sinian replied.
Consort Song cautiously looked at Chongwen Emperor, "Your Majesty, you don't blame this concubine?"
"You were also forced into a corner. This is the only time, and it won't happen again." Chongwen Emperor said.
"Then, then, then what should this concubine do after this?" Consort Song asked cautiously.
"Do whatever the Empress tells you to do," Chongwen Emperor said. "Can you manage not to reveal any flaws in front of the Empress?"
"Your Majesty, rest assured, this concubine has always appeared timid and subservient before the Empress," Consort Song said. "As long as this concubine maintains that demeanor, it should be fine."
"I don't want to threaten you, but I have to say it. You must not let the Empress know that I came to see you and said these words. As for your brother, I promise you he will not be harmed. Also, after this matter is resolved, if you still wish to leave the palace, I will grant your request."
"This concubine dares not." Consort Song said.
As long as her brother was safe, she could endure being confined in this deep palace.
"Alright, you rest now." Chongwen Emperor said.
--
Upon receiving the message from Gu Sinian, the Eldest Prince immediately fell gravely ill—so weak that he could only lie in bed, unable to perform his duties or enter the palace.
Empress Lu summoned Consort Song. "Did you reveal any flaws?"
"This concubine did exactly as you instructed, Your Ladyship!" Consort Song replied timidly. "Every time, the grand palace maid assigned by Your Ladyship accompanied this concubine. She knows everything this concubine said and did."
Every time Consort Song met with the Eldest Prince, her attendant would report every detail, and indeed, there were no slip-ups. However, the timing of the Eldest Prince's illness was too coincidental, leaving her no choice but to suspect.
"It's best if you haven't played any tricks on me. Don't forget, your brother is in my hands. If you don't cooperate, your brother will have no choice but to die," Empress Lu said.
"Empress, may this concubine see her brother?" Consort Song pleaded, tears welling up in her eyes.
"I said before, once you complete the task, I will reunite you siblings. Now, you haven't accomplished anything and you want to see him?" Empress Lu said coldly. "If you want to see him, then think of a way to properly handle the matter I've entrusted to you!"
Consort Song bit her lip. "This concubine begs..."
"In front of me, put away that seductive demeanor of yours. I am not a man, and I don't fall for that," Empress Lu said angrily.
Consort Song shivered, and the words at the tip of her tongue were swallowed back.