Zhao Junyao hadn’t seen, so it didn’t matter to him whether he was angry or not.
Entering the inner chamber, he saw the Noble Consort covered in silver needles, and his heart suddenly trembled.
Ying Yue saw the Emperor arrive and quickly knelt to pay her respects.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!"
"What has happened?" Zhao Junyao asked, frowning.
Ying Yue glanced at the Noble Consort and, hesitating, recounted the events.
"Yesterday, people from the Ministry of Internal Affairs Needlework Room came to deliver the summer clothes. Her Ladyship, finding the clothes beautiful, tried on a couple of sets. However, by evening, Her Ladyship started feeling discomfort in her abdomen..."
"The Imperial Physician checked her pulse and said the pregnancy was disturbed. Even this morning, Her Ladyship’s pregnancy remains unstable!"
"There was also spotting..."
Zhao Junyao thought for a moment and then asked the Imperial Physician, "Is what she says true? The Noble Consort’s unstable pregnancy—is it due to a few pieces of clothing?"
The Imperial Physician from the Imperial Medical Bureau, battle-tested as he was, was afraid but not to the point of being speechless.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, I have checked those clothes and did not find any problems with them. It’s just..."
"Just what?" Zhao Junyao pressed.
"It’s that the wrapping cloth for the clothes, which looked like a piece of silk—I smelled it, and it seemed to have the scent of Fuzi Powder."
"I am not entirely sure and need to take it back for careful examination!"
Without concrete evidence, nobody dared to make accusations.
Zhao Junyao’s expression immediately soured.
He most hated such despicable, underhanded methods! Especially since this hidden perpetrator dared to scheme against an imperial heir; the matter was very serious.
If there was one incident, there would be a second. If they were tolerated...
This time it was the Noble Consort. But next time... what if Qingqing were harmed!
No, absolutely not! This could not be tolerated and must be severely punished.
Having thought this, Zhao Junyao inquired further, "How is the child?"
Could it be saved? he wanted to ask.
The Noble Consort was in such a state, covered in silver needles. It truly looked... not good.
The Imperial Physician hesitated for a long time before speaking. "I can only do my best!"
Zhao Junyao, impatient, waved his hand dismissively and sent the Imperial Physician away.
Glancing toward the bed curtains, he then ordered, "Li Shengan, go investigate!"
If anyone had used underhanded means, he would be merciless!
Li Shengan acknowledged the order and hurried to make arrangements.
Only a Female Doctor remained in the inner chamber, tending to her.
Zhao Junyao was not in a rush. He sat on a chair, waiting a full half a Shi Chen until the Female Doctor removed all the silver needles. Only after the Noble Consort had taken the fetus-preserving medicine did he go in.
After the acupuncture and fetus-preserving medicine, Noble Concubine Shih’s pregnancy was barely saved.
Ying Yue, whose heart had been in her throat, finally felt it settle. Even so, she was still deeply frightened. Last night’s spotting had indeed been terrifying. If something had truly happened, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
After paying her respects, Ying Yue withdrew.
Noble Concubine Shih still lay with her eyes closed, her abdomen and heart aching with pain.
With no one else in the room, Zhao Junyao sat down in a chair.
Noble Concubine Shih heard the chair move and sneered inwardly:
Her cousin sat beside her bed during his last visit. But now... now he wouldn’t even come closer?
Heh, heh...
Indeed, that vixen Lady Xia must have bewitched her cousin!
To this, Zhao Junyao felt:
He was truly being wronged.
Seeing the Noble Consort like this, it was impossible for his heart to be completely unmoved.
But...
But he was also very annoyed; that was all.
Who was to blame for this situation? Was it still Lady Xia’s fault?
Why could other women carry their pregnancies to term without issue?
Why couldn’t she?
Using an imperial heir to vie for favor—was she toying with him?
He wasn’t unwilling to treat her well, but he didn’t know what more he could give her.
It seemed that no matter what, she would never be satisfied.
He was tired of it!
Once tired, it seemed... his patience also wore thin.
He sighed deeply and said, "This matter... I will have someone investigate thoroughly. If someone has harmed you, I will certainly not let them go unpunished!"
Noble Concubine Shih closed her eyes, her eyelashes trembling.
Zhao Junyao saw this but remained outwardly calm. After a moment’s thought, he continued, "Wanxin, you and I grew up together. You know my temperament. Some things... it’s better not to take too far."
He didn’t know what she wanted him to do.
And he didn’t want to know anymore.
He was the Emperor of a nation; he didn’t have that kind of patience.
The imperial tour was imminent.
These next few days, he had to arrange all state affairs.
State affairs kept him busy. His visits to the Harem were meant to relieve his weariness.
He didn’t have the energy to spend all day coaxing women.
This simple truth was understood by the entire Harem.
Only she didn’t understand...
As expected, Noble Concubine Shih opened her eyes, which were brimming with tears.
"Cousin, am I being excessive? Lady Xia..."
Zhao Junyao was very impatient. "Lady Xia is just an Honored Lady. What could she possibly do to hinder you!"