Xue Zixuan’s body trembled violently, clearly terrified. It was understandable, for his beloved imperial sister, who had always doted on him, to suddenly look at him with the eyes of an enemy, even attempting to strangle him. Anyone would find it unbearable.
While calling for the wet nurses attending to Xue Zixuan, Noble Consort Chao glared furiously at Xue Yan, demanding, "Tell me, what exactly is wrong with the young prince?"
"Mother Consort… it’s not her fault…" Xue Zixuan stammered, his voice quivering.
Seeing Xue Zixuan’s trembling form, Noble Consort Chao’s heart ached with distress. She pulled him into her embrace, "Zixuan, don't be afraid. Mother Consort is here."
After the wet nurses arrived to care for Xue Zixuan, Noble Consort Chao gave them a few more instructions before letting them carry him away.
As Xue Zixuan's retreating figure disappeared from view, Noble Consort Chao’s gaze grew colder and colder. She turned back to Xue Yan and stated, "Tell this consort truthfully, without any omission, why Xuan’er has become this way."
Xue Yan quickly replied, "This servant dares not conceal anything from Your Ladyship."
"Speak," Noble Consort Chao commanded coldly. Anyone who dared to bully her Xuan’er would be made to wish they were dead.
Xue Yan recounted the entire incident. Upon hearing it, Noble Consort Chao’s brows furrowed. "Are you certain that what you have told me is the truth?"
Xue Yan quickly kowtowed, saying, "This servant dares not deceive Your Ladyship."
"I don't expect you would dare to deceive this consort," Noble Consort Chao said. She was not afraid of Xue Yan lying, unless she no longer cared about her family's lives.
"You may go now!" Noble Consort Chao waved her hand.
Xue Yan did not dare to hesitate and quickly rose to leave. "Wait a moment…" Noble Consort Chao suddenly called out to her from behind.
Xue Yan’s body stiffened, and she turned back. "Does Your Ladyship have any other instructions?"
"Is there anything unusual about Xue Zining?"
Xue Yan pondered for a moment before replying, "If there is anything unusual, perhaps it is that after His Majesty fell ill and woke up again, he seemed somewhat… different."
"This consort understands. From now on, if you have any news regarding her, report it to this consort immediately."
"Yes, Your Ladyship."
"You may withdraw!" Noble Consort Chao waved her hand again.
After Xue Yan withdrew, Noble Consort Chao summoned someone close to her. "Go tell the Regent, this consort wishes to see him."
Regent's Manor
A person hurried into the study and bowed to the man seated at the head. "My Lord, there is news from the palace."
Xue Wenjie looked up, his stern face displaying eyes as sharp as icy blades. "What is it?"
The subordinate glanced at the person behind the man, appearing hesitant to speak.
Seeing this, Xue Wenjie said coldly, "Young Master Yan is not an outsider. Speak…"
The subordinate quickly lowered his voice. "The message is from Chaoyang Palace."
"Speak," the man commanded coolly.
"Noble Consort Chao wishes to see the Regent."
Xue Wenjie let out a cold scoff upon hearing this, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes. "Tell those in Chaoyang Palace that this Regent has pressing matters. I will not be going over tonight."
"Yes, My Lord." The subordinate withdrew.
Xue Wenjie stood up and looked at the person behind him. "Please forgive my rudeness, Young Master Yan."
The man bowed slightly. "Your Lordship is too kind. However, shouldn't Your Lordship appease the Consort first?"
Xue Wenjie sneered. "She is merely a woman. Let us capture Hua Yunjin first."
Upon hearing this, the man respectfully said, "Then this humble one congratulates Your Lordship on your impending victory."
Xue Wenjie laughed heartily. "If I can deal with this Hua Yunjin, then you, Young Master Yan, will be this Regent's great benefactor. This Regent will not treat you unfairly."
"Thank you, My Lord."
At this moment, a guard entered and reported, "My Lord, all preparations are complete."
Xue Wenjie’s gaze pierced through the outside, and he commanded coldly, "Let us depart."