Chapter 1920 - 1858: Shifting Winds
Chapter 1920: Chapter 1858: Shifting Winds
The news of the Empress being placed under house arrest in Kunning Palace spread throughout the entire imperial palace like a gust of wind, leaving many shocked and stunned.
It must be known that just a few days ago, the Emperor and Empress were deeply in love, with His Majesty staying overnight at Kunning Palace for several days. How could she suddenly be placed under house arrest?
The most important point is that the Empress had been in the palace for nearly twenty years, and although she wasn’t the sole favorite, the Emperor always respected this wife of his. Even though she was childless, it had not affected her status. The sudden house arrest, on the charge of offending the Emperor and being spoiled and arrogant, was utterly astonishing.
Such news aroused great curiosity, with everyone strenuously trying to find out what exactly the Empress had done to offend His Majesty.
There were many fair-weather friends in the palace, and Kunning Palace, which was once bustling like a marketplace, suddenly had its gates shut. The concubines of lower status scrambled to find reliable support to cling to.
For a time, Consort Lan and Consort Xian, who were appointed to temporarily manage palace affairs, became incredibly sought-after, with good things flowing into their private treasuries like a stream, all gifts from subordinates.
This made both of them feel sighs of gratitude and a bit intoxicated. Why do people vie for power and profit? Herein lies the benefit conferred by power, making it irresistible not to compete.
As a result, they were even more determined to push their sons to the position of the Crown Prince. Only by becoming the most exalted woman in the world could they stand at the pinnacle of power and look down upon all.
Hence, with the Empress under house arrest, the power circle of Beiyan overwhelmingly shifted to both sides.
And the Empress’s clan, in fear and trembling, sought out family connections to find out what had happened in Kunning Palace. Meanwhile, they tightened their belts, acting cautiously to avoid drawing His Majesty’s ire and inviting disaster to their family.
Empress Song’s house arrest also made certain people anxious, just like her lover Lu Shenxing. Upon learning that there were even Imperial Eunuchs stationed outside Kunning Palace, he felt even more stressed.
It was heard that even the palace servants attending to her were sent away, leaving only the Imperial Nanny in service. He must find an opportunity to sneak into Kunning Palace to see her.
But before Lu Shenxing could go, someone came to him first.
He looked at Ah Cai, cloaked in a black robe, and asked eagerly, "Why are you here? Aren’t you supposed to stay by her side?"
Ah Cai shook her head and said, "The Emperor only left one nanny. If I stayed, no one would be able to relay messages to Her Majesty!"
"What exactly happened? Why would the Emperor suddenly place her under house arrest? How is she now?" Lu Shenxing asked in a deep voice.
"The incident at the Longevity Festival was exposed, and the Emperor knows it was Her Majesty’s doing. In addition, Her Majesty knows the cause of King of Han’s death, and the Emperor is aware as well, even guessing Her Majesty’s intentions," Ah Cai said quickly. "Her Majesty hasn’t confessed, but the Emperor won’t believe her. These days, they should be investigating everything about Her Majesty."
Lu Shenxing’s breath caught. "I’ll organize men to get her out."
"Her Majesty’s intention is to immediately have all our people in the palace withdraw and lay low," Ah Ji looked at him and said. "Additionally, Her Majesty wants you to quickly complete what she discussed with you; she says it’s the only way out."
Lu Shenxing’s expression changed several times.
"That’s all Her Majesty had to say, I can’t stay out for too long. I’m leaving now," Ah Cai said, putting her hood back on. "Her Majesty’s words are, at this critical moment, you absolutely must not enter the palace and take risks. Otherwise, everything will come crashing down."
After saying this, she quickly departed, and Lu Shenxing sat in his chair, closed his eyes, contemplating again and again before solemnly calling for someone. She was right, he had to endure and take a gamble.