Chapter 211.2

Chapter 211.2

She cried uncontrollably, leaving Emperor Jin’an a bit at a loss. He had seen Yaoniang cry before, but this was the first time she cried like this, and her nonstop tears were overwhelming him.

Initially, Hong Chou and the others were standing outside, guarding the area. Upon hearing the commotion inside, they couldn’t help but glance over but didn’t dare to enter. They could only stand outside and wait anxiously.

“Alright, stop crying. Zhen never blamed you. Zhen likes it when you don’t take care of anything and make me worry about everything.”

Yaoniang cried miserably, “Even if you may think like this right now, you won’t think this way anymore in the future. Wasn’t the relationship between seventh brother-in-law and Jirou good in the beginning? Then someone new came along and the old is forgotten. Love fades with age. You treat me well now because you covet my youthful appearance. But when the day comes that I’m no longer young and fresh, you’ll discard me like old husks. At that time, all the things you now find good about me will become faults, and you’ll think I’m unreasonable just like that...”

The veins on Emperor Jin’an’s forehead throbbed, and his face darkened as he retorted, “How can you entertain such random thoughts? Have you been reading too many novels?” Before he finished speaking, he called for the servants, and soon Yu Chan and Hong Chou entered the room.

“Tell me, what kind of novels has the empress been reading lately?”

Yu Chan and Hong Chou were frightened by the argument between the emperor and the empress, so upon seeing the emperor’s expression, they hastened to report everything they knew.

After listening to them list a few novel titles, Emperor Jin’an’s expression worsened. He, too, had read a few of such stories out of curiosity during his youth, and they were all about nonsensical romantic dramas!

Seeing Emperor Jin’an’s reaction, Yaoniang was also frightened, and she immediately stopped crying. The emperor waved his hand to dismiss the servants and fell silent, just staring at her. Her heart trembled even more, and she muttered softly.

“Do you know what you did wrong?”

“I, I...” She pursed her small red lips, torn between crying and refraining, “I was wrong.”

“Where were you wrong?”

“I shouldn’t have read those nonsensical stories, shouldn’t have suspected you without reason, and shouldn’t have acted so unreasonably.”

“Go investigate who leaked the information about the officials’ proposal to expand the harem to the Empress’s ears,” he ordered.

Fu Cheng carried out the order.

By the time Emperor Jin’an arrived at Yangxin Hall and had finished reviewing a few memorials, the matter was already uncovered.

It was none other than Fu Cheng’s adopted son, Xiao Shunzi.

Xiao Shunzi was clever and capable, earning Fu Cheng’s favour. He was currently highly regarded by Emperor Jin’an. However, he was overly clever. He knew that His Majesty treated Yaoniang exceptionally, so he tried to please her by leaking the information to the Kunning Palace.

Those in the Kunning Palace knew, and so did Yaoniang.

Although Emperor Jin’an hadn’t openly mentioned this matter, those around him knew his temperament. Xiao Shunzi knowingly violated the rules, especially when the empress was pregnant – this was practically seeking death.

Before Emperor Jin’an could even give an order, Fu Cheng had already prepared the punishment.

“Your Majesty, it’s this old servant’s failure to educate him properly. This servant hopes Your Majesty can spare his life,” Fu Cheng pleaded.

From outside came the sound of the beating. Xiao Shunzi was a tough individual; he endured the pain without a sound. In reality, he couldn’t make a sound – his mouth was gagged to avoid disturbing His Majesty.

Emperor Jin’an remained silent, listening as about a dozen strikes were delivered, then he said, “The empress has a simple heart. Besides this matter, she had never hidden anything from me. Since she doesn’t speak of it, Zhen can only let it be. You’ve been serving by my side for a long time, and you should know my temperament. This time Zhen will forgive you, but if this happens again, you’ll face your own consequences.”

“Yes, thank you, Your Majesty, for sparing his life,” Fu Cheng replied and withdrew. As he left, he saw Xiao Shunzi’s pale face, sweating profusely, lying there in pain. He waved his hand, and the eunuch responsible for carrying out the punishment went away.