Steal my marriage? Turn around and marry the tyrant to take the throne

Chapter 1680 Let's Do It Cleaner (Bonus Chapter for 206 Million Votes)

Su Qing said in a deep voice, "His Majesty is furious and will investigate thoroughly at all costs!"

"At that time, any trace of evidence could be magnified a thousandfold."

"No matter how clean we are, we may not be able to withstand thorough scrutiny. Is it worth risking everything for a fetus that hasn't even been formed yet?"

The palace maid remained silent, knowing that what the empress said was absolutely right.

Targeting the Imperial Noble Consort is far too risky...

"But... are we just going to stand by and watch the Imperial Noble Consort give birth to this child and solidify her position?"

The palace maid was still somewhat unwilling: "You entered the palace aiming for that supreme position. Anyone who stands in your way should be eliminated!"

"The Imperial Noble Consort... is now the biggest stumbling block!"

Su Qing finally turned slightly to the side, revealing her beautifully shaped chin, and said with a half-smile, "The imperial heirs of the Chu and Feng families are gone, but the Imperial Noble Consort's pregnancy has been going on for four months, and it's very stable."

The palace maid was taken aback at first, then a flash of inspiration struck her, and her eyes suddenly lit up with excitement: "Your Majesty means... that Madam Chu and Madam Feng have both suffered miscarriages and lost their children, and who knows if someone secretly poisoned them to clear obstacles and pave the way for their unborn children?"

"Otherwise, why would it be such a coincidence that the imperial heirs of the two young ladies have encountered misfortunes one after another, while the Imperial Noble Consort's pregnancy remains safe and sound? And she has even become an auspicious star thanks to this favorable wind?"

This association is extremely malicious, but not entirely impossible.

Throwing mud at those who have already benefited is always a clever way to divert attention and create suspicion.

Su Qing said calmly, "The Imperial Noble Consort has been operating in the palace for many years, with many eyes and ears, and she also has great power over the six palaces. If such rumors are spread in the palace, she will easily find out."

The palace maid immediately understood: "This servant understands."

"Rumors outside the palace begin in the marketplace and are the hardest to trace back to their source. All you need to do is find a few reliable, clever people who have absolutely no connection to the palace, and have them tell this story of 'coincidence' in teahouses, taverns, brothels, and entertainment venues, using a tone of hearsay and speculation..."

"There is no need to name names, but the listener will naturally associate it with who has the most ability and the most motivation to do so."

"Rumors are like water, seeping into every nook and cranny. By the time they reach the palace, they've already been distorted beyond recognition, making them impossible to trace!"

The palace maid, Suqing, said, "Make it as clean as possible."

The palace maid respectfully replied, "Yes, this servant will make proper arrangements and leave no loose ends."

……

The next day.

When Shen Zhinian opened her eyes, the bed beside her was empty, with only the faint scent of ambergris remaining on her pillow.

Nangong Xuanyu has already gone to court.

Hearing the commotion inside, Han Dan and Fu Qu tiptoed in to serve, their faces beaming with obvious joy.

His Majesty had not visited the inner palace for a long time, but when he did, he went straight to Yongshou Palace. He also learned that the Empress was pregnant, and His Majesty was not angry because the Empress had kept it a secret; on the contrary, he was overjoyed.

Can't they be happy?

As Fuqu drew back the bed curtains, she looked at Shen Zhinian's face and asked with concern, "Your Highness is awake. How are you feeling today?"

Shen Zhinian stood up with Han Dan's help: "I'm a little thirsty."

Han Dan quickly brought over some warm honey water.

Shen Zhinian slowly drank a few sips before feeling some relief in her throat.

Fuqu began to report on the situation outside: "Your Majesty, the congratulatory gifts from the various ladies and concubines have been coming in non-stop. The steward of the storeroom said that they are almost overflowing! The list of gifts alone is a thick stack."

Shen Zhinian was not surprised by this.

She is pregnant, and this child is a lucky star. Regardless of whether one's intentions are genuine or not, one must maintain a proper facade.

"Have Physician Tang examine them carefully before registering and storing them. Pay special attention to the food, daily necessities, and fumigation products."

Although no one would dare to tamper with the gifts given in public, it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Fuqu replied, "Yes, I have already given the instructions."

"Physician Tang will review them one by one."

Shen Zhinian nodded slightly, washed and changed her clothes, and had a light but exquisite breakfast.

Although Shen Zhinian did not experience morning sickness thanks to Tang Luochuan's treatment, she still needed to pay extra attention to her diet. The Yongshou Palace Kitchen was now operating with utmost care, with dedicated personnel overseeing both the ingredients and the cooking process.

After breakfast, Han Dan came in with a smile to announce: "...Your Highness, Consort Xuan has arrived with the Sixth Prince, saying they want to congratulate you."

Upon hearing this, Shen Zhinian smiled and said, "Please come in quickly."

"Yes!"

Before long, the beaded curtain swayed, and Consort Xuan led the Sixth Prince in.

Today she wore a royal pink palace dress, which made her look more beautiful than the flowers, and her face was filled with undisguised joy.

The sixth prince, dressed in a pale yellow robe, with a chubby face, was being led by his mother, his big, dark eyes gazing around curiously.

Upon entering, Consort Xuan bowed respectfully: "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to the Imperial Noble Consort. May you be blessed with good health and longevity!"

Shen Zhinian smiled and gestured for him to sit down: "No need for formalities, please sit."

"Jin'er is here too? Come to my side."

As she spoke, she extended her hand to the Sixth Prince.

The sixth prince recognized the beautiful concubine who often gave him fun things and delicious food. He let go of his mother's hand and staggered towards her.

Consort Xuan quickly half-protected him, laughing, "Sister, be careful. This boy is quite strong now. Don't let him bump into you."

Shen Zhinian touched the Sixth Prince's soft face and said to Consort Xuan, "It's alright."

Consort Xuan's gaze fell on Shen Zhinian's still barely visible belly, and she smiled so broadly that her eyes disappeared: "Congratulations, sister! Congratulations, sister! This is truly a joyous occasion!"

"But... Sister, you've kept this from me for so long!"

Her tone was full of affectionate reproach, without a trace of resentment.

Shen Zhinian looked at Consort Xuan and explained, "It's not that I intended to hide it from you. It's just that my pregnancy was not stable before, and it was a turbulent time, so I thought I would wait until I was more settled before telling you."

Consort Xuan waved her hand and said, "Sister, you don't need to explain. I understand! It's always good to be cautious in the palace."

"I was just joking with my sister."

Fuqu brought over the tea.

Consort Xuan's eyes were still bright as she looked at Shen Zhinian: "How are you feeling, sister? What did the imperial physician say? Is your morning sickness severe? Is there anything you'd like to eat?"

“My humble kitchen has a cook who is exceptionally good at making sour plum drink, which is especially good for stimulating the appetite and relieving nausea. If you need it, I will have her come to Yongshou Palace.”

A series of questions were raised, revealing his deep concern.

Shen Zhinian felt a warmth in her heart and patiently replied, "Everything is fine. Doctor Tang has been taking good care of me. The morning sickness isn't severe; I just occasionally experience some acid reflux in the morning, but my appetite is better than it was a few days ago."

"Plum juice is not needed for now. Imperial Physician Tang has prescribed some mild medicinal diet recipes for me to take care of myself."

Consort Xuan breathed a sigh of relief: "That's good, that's good!"

"The Imperial Physician Tang is highly skilled. With him taking care of her, my sister and the imperial heir will surely be safe and sound."