[1]The Consort is Both Charming and Scheming, Rising Through Palace Intrigue

When Consort Zhuang and several other concubines arrived, the scene that greeted them was this: Ning Shuyan leaning against Xiao Yu's chest, with Xiao Yu tightly holding her. His face was filled with sorrow and heartache, yet he still softly comforted the woman in his arms, gently stroking her back.

Consort Zhuang found the sight unbearable. Her pupils contracted, and her heart felt like it was being pricked with needles. She twisted the handkerchief in her hands tightly, forcing a look of worry and sympathy onto her face as she turned to the nearby Imperial Physician Ji and asked, "How is Beauty Ning?"

Physician Ji cupped his hands and replied, "Your Highness Consort Zhuang, Lady Ning has unfortunately lost the child."

Consort Zhuang was inwardly shocked by the news. Her eyes widened as she blurted out, "How could that be? Could Physician Ji have made a misdiagnosis?"

Ning Shuyan's lowered lashes quivered. So the fox's tail reveals itself this easily...

Physician Ji furrowed his brows, understanding the implication of who might be behind this. He said solemnly, "The child is indeed gone, and I deeply regret it. However, I would not misdiagnose such a pulse."

Consort Zhuang stared at Ning Shuyan nestled in Xiao Yu's arms, her brows tightly knit. How could this happen? She wasn't even pregnant—how could there be a miscarriage?

Then it suddenly occurred to her—could it be... Physician Ji is on Ning Shuyan's side and helping her cover up the truth?

The nearby Concubine Ying looked at Consort Zhuang's odd behavior and felt a bit puzzled.

Consort Zhuang quickly stepped forward and gently said, "Your Majesty, a royal heir is no trivial matter. Might I suggest summoning another physician to examine Beauty Ning?"

Upon hearing this, Ning Shuyan lifted her eyes to Consort Zhuang and replied coldly, "What does Your Highness mean by this? Are you implying that Physician Ji cannot even read such a pulse correctly? Or are you suspecting that I tampered with something?"

As she spoke, tears that she had barely held back now streamed down again, and she sobbed softly in Xiao Yu's arms.

Xiao Yu's eyes darkened as he looked at Consort Zhuang, displeasure evident on his face. He called out sternly, "Consort Zhuang!"

Caught in Xiao Yu's gaze, Consort Zhuang was momentarily stunned. The Emperor actually spoke to her like this because of Ning Shuyan. She lowered her eyes and said softly, "I only wished for the child to be saved, not to make Beauty Ning upset."

Xiao Yu's expression softened slightly at her explanation. Seeing this, Consort Zhuang quickly ordered the servants to fetch another physician.

Meanwhile, the medicinal soup made of safflower and motherwort was ready, but Qiule didn't dare offer it to Ning Shuyan yet. Since another physician was on the way, they had to wait.

Soon, another physician arrived. After paying his respects, he took Ning Shuyan's pulse and quickly completed the examination. He glanced at Physician Ji and said, "Your Majesty, the child is indeed gone. My diagnosis aligns with Physician Ji's."

Consort Zhuang was shocked. How could this be? She clearly hadn't been pregnant—how could two physicians both diagnose a miscarriage?

Hearing this, Ning Shuyan burst into tears, sobbing as if her heart was broken. "Do you believe it now, Consort Zhuang? Why must I endure hearing this cruel truth again?"

Xiao Yu held her trembling shoulders and gently wiped away her tears, softly saying, "It's alright. There will be other children. Don't cry."

Even though Consort Zhuang still had doubts, seeing the Emperor care so deeply for Ning Shuyan, she had to concede, "I only wanted to see if the child could be saved, not to upset Beauty Ning."

Xiao Yu looked at her again, an inexplicable sense of irritation rising in his heart. He said harshly, "Everyone, leave!"

Consort Zhuang trembled slightly. Ying Zhaoyi tugged her sleeve, and she followed the others out of the inner hall.

After Ning Shuyan drank the medicine and her emotions stabilized, Xiao Yu gently asked, "Tell me, how did you fall? I will get justice for you and the child." His fists clenched tightly, veins bulging, and his eyes filled with cold determination.

"I felt someone kick my leg from behind, but strangely, the people near me fell as well. I don't know exactly what happened."

She hugged him tightly, curling up like a ball. "Your Majesty, could someone be trying to harm me? I'm scared..."

Xiao Yu loosened his fist and patted her back. "Don't worry. I will investigate thoroughly. Our child won't have died in vain."

He thought of the pearls scattered on the floor—there was a clue.

Just then, Du Ruo rushed in. "Your Majesty, Consort Xi has also suffered a miscarriage. She's in emotional turmoil. The Empress has asked for your presence."

The light in Xiao Yu's eyes dimmed even further, sorrow deepening on his face. He gently let go of Ning Shuyan, about to speak, when she said, "Your Majesty, go ahead. I will take care of myself."

Naturally, she wouldn't try to keep him now—after all, Consort Xi's child was the real royal heir.

Before leaving, Xiao Yu squeezed her hand gently, signaling her not to grieve too much.

Ning Shuyan watched his figure disappear and heard the footsteps of others following. She knew the other concubines had gone with him.

"Qiule, a four-month-old fetus is already formed, right?" Ning Shuyan sighed. It was such a pity—the child never even had a chance to see the world.

Qiule looked sorrowful. "Yes, the fetus is fully formed. The gender could already be determined. And a four-month miscarriage is far worse than one at one or two months—much more painful and damaging to the body."

Ning Shuyan trembled as she gripped the quilt tightly. "Two birds with one stone! What a calculated move!"

Yes—eliminating her while also getting rid of Consort Xi's unborn heir. Consort Zhuang was truly ruthless!

But... would Xiao Yu find out it was her? Consort Zhuang had been in front—she escaped all suspicion.

At the time, she was in a panic too, but when she saw the pearls scattered on the floor, she realized someone's jewelry had fallen apart, causing the others to slip and fall.

When Xiao Yu arrived at the Jade Pavilion Palace, he hadn't even stepped inside before he heard heart-wrenching sobs.

As soon as Consort Xi saw him, she tried to get up. But she was too weak—if not for the maid's support, she would've fallen off the bed.

Her hair was disheveled, and her pale face was covered in tears. She cried miserably, "Your Majesty... the child is gone... Your Majesty!"

As soon as Xiao Yu entered, he was hit by the strong scent of blood. He raised his hand slightly to acknowledge the other concubines' greetings. Consort Xi threw herself into his arms the moment he approached, clinging to him tightly, as though all her sorrow and pain finally had someone to lean on. She cried, "It was a prince, Your Majesty... a prince! Just a few days ago, he was still moving in my belly. I don't believe he's gone..."

When she woke up and the Empress told her the child was gone, she couldn't accept the cruel truth. The pain was suffocating.