The Emperor was ruthless when dealing with such underhanded and malicious affairs.
Xiao Yun secretly rejoiced, but outwardly said, "I also wished for a cup of poison or a white silk noose to end her. However, I fear it would put the Emperor in a difficult position. She is the niece of Consort Wei, who even sought the Emperor's decree for her marriage, indicating her special affection for this niece. If this matter were to cause discord between Consort Wei and the Emperor, it would be my fault."
The Emperor felt pleased and his affection for Xiao Yun deepened.
"You child, always thinking of others." He added, "You should return first. Rest assured, I will give you and the Princess Consort a satisfactory explanation."
After Xiao Yun left, the Emperor pondered how to handle Wei Yun's situation.
Xiao Yun was right; Wei Yun was, after all, a daughter of the Wei family and the niece of Consort Wei. If he directly ordered her disposal, Consort Wei would surely harbor resentment.
If only Xiao Yun had dealt with her in the Prince's manor!
This was the first time the Emperor felt Xiao Yun lacked the necessary ruthlessness.
While the Emperor was contemplating, Consort Wei also received the news.
Not only Consort Wei, but the entire capital, including the Wei family, heard about the Định An Prince's side consort, Wei Yun, attempting to harm the Princess Consort.
Consort Wei immediately went to plead with the Emperor.
"I know that child Wei Yun; she is exceptionally devoted and affectionate. It is fortunate to have a husband who dotes on her, but if she is neglected by her husband, she might become extreme. She merely made a mistake in a moment of impulsiveness; her nature is not inherently bad. I implore the Emperor to spare her life and give her a chance to reform."
Consort Wei was dressed in plain clothes, her hair unbound, and without a single piece of jewelry.
She understood the Emperor well.
At this moment, she could not argue. Especially since Xiao Yun had already lodged a complaint, she had to act with dignity and not make the Emperor too uncomfortable.
She needed to appeal to his emotions and play the victim.
"Ultimately, this marriage was sought by this concubine from the Emperor. It is said that marriage is about forming bonds. If this incident were to sow enmity between the Xiao and Wei families, this concubine would be a sinner."
"Wei Yun was in the wrong first, and the Emperor's punishment is deserved. I only beg the Emperor to show mercy to the Wei family's bloodline and spare her life. The Định An Princess Consort was greatly frightened. If this still cannot quell her resentment, this concubine is willing to have her salary docked for a year, be confined to Huayang Palace, and copy scriptures and chant Buddhist prayers daily for the Định An Princess Consort, to atone for Wei Yun's sins."
Consort Wei did not particularly care for Wei Yun.
Wei Yun was merely a concubine's daughter. Consort Wei was not well acquainted with her. If Wei Yu had not brought her to the palace, Consort Wei would have forgotten she even had such a niece.
However, Consort Wei knew well that the Wei family was a single entity, prospering and declining together.
What's more, she knew that Wei Yun's transgression this time had the involvement of Grand Tutor Wei and Wei Yu behind it.
If Wei Yun were to be sentenced to death, who knew what she might say out of a desire to survive?
Therefore, she had to protect Wei Yun.
Consort Wei spoke at length, her expression always gentle and filled with remorse, making it impossible for anyone to blame her.
The Emperor personally helped her up.
"If only Consort Wei had half your kindness."
In the Emperor's heart, Consort Wei was a pure and kind little white rabbit.
"Your Majesty..." Consort Wei gazed at the Emperor with anticipation.
The Emperor pondered for a long time and slowly said, "While the death penalty is spared, punishment for the crime is unavoidable..."
As for how to satisfy the Xiao family while preserving Wei Yun's life, the Emperor had not yet figured it out.
However, upon hearing half of his words, a great weight was lifted from Consort Wei's heart.
Consort Wei thanked him for his grace and returned to Huayang Palace. A trusted palace maid handed her a note.
Consort Wei unfolded it. On it were two small characters: "Do not interfere."
Consort Wei was stunned.
This meant she should not concern herself with Wei Yun's affairs?
Having been in the palace for many years, Consort Wei understood the implication with a little thought.
The family intended to abandon Wei Yun.
She personally threw the note into the incense burner and burned it, regretting her heartfelt performance just now.
What if the Emperor truly confined her and made her copy scriptures?
Consort Wei thought for a while, then remembered Grand Tutor Wei's words from last time: if Wang Qingyao did not die, the eldest prince might very well be found.
Her brows furrowed, and she became deeply worried.
Consort Wei's life had been smooth sailing. Although she was a concubine's daughter, she was raised by her legitimate mother as if she were a legitimate daughter. She was chosen for the palace as soon as she came of age and was bestowed the title of Gui Ren. She continued to be favored, giving birth to three princes consecutively, and her rank rose steadily.
After the Empress passed away, she held a position equivalent to the Empress and managed the six palaces.
Without any unexpected events, her son would be the Crown Prince, and the Emperor.
She would be the Empress Dowager.
This was what she had always believed: no matter which son became Emperor, she would undoubtedly be the Empress Dowager.
Therefore, for so many years, she had devoted herself entirely to the Emperor, unconcerned with which son would become Emperor.
Her beauty, her innocence, her kindness – these were the foundations that gave her confidence with her three sons.
But now, only one of her three sons could become Emperor.
If the eldest prince were found...
As the legitimate eldest son, she could not imagine what would happen.
Although the Emperor favored her, in his heart, the deceased Empress Xiaoxian was his only wife.
Otherwise, why would the Emperor not establish her as Empress even after Empress Xiaoxian had been dead for so many years?