Chapter 199: The Empress Is Faking Her Illness
Her voice was not loud, but it was stern and blustering.
The people present were all intimidated by her majesty and did not dare to speak.
As for the Imperial Consort, everyone was usually respectful to her only because of the Emperor’s favor.
Moreover, although her rank was high, they were not fools and understood that Consort Qi was just her scapegoat.
If she had not just sown discord, no one would suspect it was on Jiang Ruanxi.
After such a commotion, no one dared to speak again.
After the Imperial Consort was hit, she immediately became much more obedient.
Only then did the Empress Dowager say to the noblewomen outside, “Say that His Majesty has awakened and tell them to go back.”
“But Empress Dowager…”
The Empress Dowager swept over another stern glance, and the Imperial Consort with her swollen mouth quickly shut up in fright.
How could she have forgotten that His Majesty was currently in a coma, and the Empress Dowager had the highest seniority here? She would not indulge her for His Majesty’s sake.
The Empress Dowager, who had long disliked her, would really beat her to death.
The Imperial Consort immediately did not dare to say a word.
“The border is not yet stable. If people learn that His Majesty is critically ill, leading to internal and external troubles, can you bear the consequences?”
The Imperial Consort was so frightened that she immediately knelt down. “Empress Dowager, calm down. It is all this consort’s fault. This consort did not think it through.”
The Empress Dowager said coldly, “I will settle this account with you slowly later. Are you not going to do as I say right now?”
Jiang Ruanxi spoke up. “Grandmother, if we dismiss everyone at this time, it might arouse suspicion. How about dismissing part of them first, and then dismissing the rest depending on the situation?”
The Imperial Consort was naturally dissatisfied upon hearing this. “Insolent! Where do you get to interject when the Empress Dowager has already decided? Even if the Crown Princess wants to show off, she should pick the right time.”
Jiang Ruanxi did not speak but looked at the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager was a smart person. After pondering for a moment, she understood the meaning in Jiang Ruanxi’s words.
“Do as the Crown Princess says: dismiss part of them first, then dismiss the rest later.”
This way, at least it would tell outsiders that Emperor Qin was ill but gradually recovering.
The Imperial Consort’s face turned extremely ugly. The Empress Dowager’s words had directly slapped her in the face.
But she did not dare to flare up and obediently said, “Yes, this consort will go handle it now.”
Looking at the Imperial Consort’s face swollen like a pig’s head, she said with full disdain, “You do not go. Consort Jing, you go. And from now on, do not worry about matters in His Majesty’s bedchamber. Rest well and recuperate. Leave everything to Consort Jing to handle.”
Consort Jing was delighted, not expecting such a good opportunity to fall into her lap.
She was naturally overjoyed, stepping forward with a smile tugging at her lips. “This consort obeys.”
The Imperial Consort’s face alternated between pale and white as she glared fiercely at Consort Jing, but Consort Jing, who was delighted, paid her no attention.
The Empress Dowager turned a loving gaze toward Jiang Ruanxi. “You little girl, you must have been frightened. With so many people taking care of His Majesty, and hearing that the Empress is also ill, go see your Mother Empress when you have time.”
Jiang Ruanxi did not want to get involved in this mess and naturally welcomed it. “Yes, Grandmother.”
After making the arrangements, the Empress Dowager left.
And those forces in the court who had originally been observing also developed as the Empress Dowager had envisioned.
They all thought Emperor Qin’s condition had improved.
But Jiang Ruanxi saw Emperor Qin’s face deathly pale and his breathing faint. He did not look like he was feigning illness but truly ill, which filled her with doubt.
When she saw him that morning, his complexion was ruddy, showing no sign of illness. Yet in just one morning, he was critically ill.
Seeing that she was not needed for the time being, and thinking that the Empress was also ill, Jiang Ruanxi turned and went to the Empress’s bedchamber.
As soon as she entered, she saw the Empress lying on the bed coughing. Jiang Ruanxi entered and curtsied. “Daughter-in-law pays respects to Mother Empress.”
The Empress weakly waved her hand. “Crown Princess, no need for formalities.”
The Empress knew she had just come from Emperor Qin’s bedchamber and was concerned about his situation, so she set aside her own scheming. Sitting up, she said, “How is His Majesty now?”
Watching her movements just now, if not for her slightly pale face, Jiang Ruanxi would have thought she was feigning illness.
Jiang Ruanxi did not conceal anything and recounted everything that had happened there in detail.
After she finished, the Empress glared furiously at Wan Bi, grinding her teeth.
It was all her rotten idea to have her feign illness, so there would be a reason to bring Jiang Ruanxi into the palace to her own territory, where she could control her however she wanted.
But unexpectedly, Emperor Qin fell ill at this time too. Jiang Ruanxi had been brought into the palace, but the task of attending to Emperor Qin, which should have been hers by right, had been taken by that bitch Consort Jing.
If His Majesty were just mildly ill, it would be a small matter.
But if something unexpected happened to Emperor Qin, would it not just cheaply benefit Consort Jing for nothing?
The Empress regretted it so much her guts turned green, feeling like she had lifted a stone only to drop it on her own foot.
“Empress, it is time for you to drink your medicine.”
A palace maid brought in the medicine.
Seeing this, Jiang Ruanxi took it over. “I will serve Mother Empress.”
The Empress had no mind to drink medicine now and waved her hand. “I will drink it later. You can go out first.”
Jiang Ruanxi smiled and said, “Mother Empress, your health is poor, His Majesty is ill now, and the Crown Prince is busy with official duties. I should take their place to care for you.”
With that, Jiang Ruanxi held the medicine bowl and came before her, scooping a full spoonful and placing it by her lips.
The Empress was not actually ill and refused to take the medicine, turning her head aside. “No, no need. You rest. I will drink it later.”
Jiang Ruanxi withdrew the spoon, lowered her head, and said with a wronged expression, “Is Mother Empress disdainful of me?”
She lifted her slightly reddened eyes.
Seeing her look as if she had been bullied, the Empress was so angry she nearly spat blood.
If others saw this, they would think she was bullying Jiang Ruanxi. How could she establish majesty in the palace afterward?
Her face immediately turned cold.
“Mother Empress really does disdain my clumsiness.” Jiang Ruanxi said with a sob in her voice.
The Empress knew she could not yet tear face with Jiang Ruanxi and instructed Wan Bi on the side, “Wan Bi, you come serve me.”
Wan Bi stepped forward. “Crown Princess, let me do it.”
With that, she took the porcelain bowl from her hand.
Jiang Ruanxi did not refuse and stood up. “Alright then. Aunt Wan Bi has served Mother Empress longer than I and knows better. But I will still wait until Mother Empress finishes drinking before I leave, so I can give an account to Grandmother and the Crown Prince later.”
Seeing she could not refuse, the Empress signaled Wan Bi to feed her the medicine.
Jiang Ruanxi watched her drink it all and was very satisfied. “Surely after Mother Empress drinks the medicine, her condition will improve. Daughter-in-law will not disturb your rest.”
Ignoring the Empress’s unpredictable expression, as soon as Jiang Ruanxi left the palace, the smile on her face instantly vanished.
She could tell that the Empress was feigning illness.
