Chapter 273: Get out of Jail Free

Name：The Girl Who Struggled Through Palace Intrigues to Become the Empress Author：
+ - Turn off Reset
Chapter 273

'Boom!' Geett the latest novels at novelhall.com

A clap of thunder startled Noble Consort Chen. The words "execution by beheading" entered her ears along with the thunder, making her scalp tingle and her feet feel heavy. Her mind went blank, and she stood motionless.

"Oh my, when did you arrive, Noble Consort?" Jiang Deshun hurriedly approached Noble Consort Chen, noticing that her expression was off.

"Noble Consort? Noble Consort?" He called out a few times, pulling Noble Consort Chen's wandering thoughts back.

In her state of anxiety, Noble Consort Chen disregarded all etiquette and reached out to push the door open.

Jiang Deshun quickly stepped in front of her and pleaded, "Noble Consort, you can't do that! The Emperor is discussing matters with Lord Zhu inside. You can't barge in!"

"Get out of my way!" Noble Consort Chen forcefully pushed Jiang Deshun to the ground and stormed into the hall without any hesitation.

The commotion outside the door had already caught the attention of the people in the hall.

Xiao Jingheng and several ministers watched the door until it was pushed open, and Noble Consort Chen rushed in, her face filled with panic. Ignoring the presence of the court officials, she immediately questioned Xiao Jingheng,

"Emperor! My father and brothers have already retired from the military, returning all their military power to the court. You also promised to let them return to their hometowns and live peacefully. Why do you now..."

"Noble Consort, you've gone too far."

Noble Consort Chen questioned Xiao Jingheng in front of the court officials, causing him to lose face. His expression became even more unpleasant.

"I am discussing state affairs with the ministers. Without summoning me, how dare you barge in?"

With tears glistening in her bright phoenix eyes, Noble Consort Chen turned a deaf ear to his reprimand and continued speaking emotionally,

"Why are you treating my father and brothers like this, Your Majesty? Haven't you always said that my father and brothers were loyal ministers of the Qi Dynasty?"

Xiao Jingheng's cold gaze met hers, and the anger in his brows was evident.

Most of the former courtiers knew of Noble Consort Chen's arrogant and unbridled nature.

It wasn't appropriate for them to stay here now that she was causing a scene, so they tactfully took their leave.

After they left, Xiao Jingheng forcefully tapped the table in front of him, suppressing his anger.

"See for yourself."

"I am willing to surrender all the riches my mother's family has gained, and I will return all the rewards Your Majesty has bestowed upon me to the national treasury! If there is a deficit, I am willing to forego my monthly stipend to make up for it!"

"All I ask is for Your Majesty to spare their lives. Even if you exile our entire family to the harsh and frigid lands of the north, as long as they can live, I beg of you!"

Xiao Jingheng, who sat firmly at the head, could no longer remain seated.

He suddenly stood up and hurriedly descended the steps, gently holding Noble Consort Chen's arms, preventing her from continuing to kowtow.

"What are you doing? Please get up!"

Noble Consort Chen raised her head to look at Xiao Jingheng, blood streaming down her forehead, staining the delicate makeup she had applied to please him.

"Your Majesty... I beg of you... I implore you..."

Xiao Jingheng furrowed his brow, his eyes filled with compassion.

"Even if I were to forgive your mother's family out of consideration for our many years of affection, in three days' time, they are scheduled for execution. Moreover, I am currently in Suzhou and cannot issue an imperial decree in time."

As Noble Consort Chen heard that there was still a glimmer of hope for her family, a renewed spark of hope ignited in her dim eyes.

She wiped away the tears and blood from her face with a trembling hand, pleading desperately:

"There's still time! There's still time, Your Majesty! With the fastest horses and non-stop travel day and night, we can return to the capital within three days!"

Clutching Xiao Jingheng's hand tightly, as if grasping the last straw that could save her family, she hoarsely and plaintively implored:

"I beg Your Majesty to show mercy..."

"Please rise."

Xiao Jingheng helped the weeping Noble Consort Chen to her feet and embraced her, his own eyes reddened with emotion as he consoled her:

"I will spare the lives of your father and brothers, but they must be exiled as a family. Otherwise, it would be difficult to quell the criticisms from the previous dynasty."

"I... I thank Your Majesty!"

Resting in Xiao Jingheng's embrace, Noble Consort Chen once again felt the strong and steady heartbeat of her beloved. Although she had been shivering from the cold, upon hearing Xiao Jingheng's words, warmth enveloped her.

Then, Xiao Jingheng urgently called for Jiang Deshun and instructed:

"Retrieve the pardon tokens and have Deputy General An personally deliver them. Travel day and night to return to the capital and pardon Ning's family from their death sentence. Detain them temporarily in the prison, and all matters will be decided upon the Emperor's return."