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

Chapter 153: More Afraid of Losing the Emperor

The Empress sighed in relief. "It's fortunate that both Your Majesty and Shuyanyi are unharmed. But it's strange—there are many trees around the temporary palace, so seeing snakes is normal. But how could a whole swarm of snakes appear?"

Ning Shuyan had already considered this. When the Empress and Consort Zhuang entered earlier, she had secretly observed their expressions—neither showed any signs of guilt or panic.

Consort Zhuang echoed the concern, "Yes, how could there be so many snakes? Just hearing about it made me extremely anxious."

Xiao Yu's expression turned grave as he said, "I will thoroughly investigate this matter. I want to see who in the harem has a heart as venomous as a snake."

Then he looked toward the Empress. "There have been repeated incidents in the inner palace, and they've always targeted Yan'er. Empress, how have you been managing the harem on my behalf?"

Though his tone wasn't especially harsh, his gaze was sharp, making the Empress's heart tremble. She quickly knelt and said, "This concubine has failed in her duty. I have not managed the inner palace well. Please forgive me, Your Majesty. I will personally find the culprit and offer an apology."

For some reason, the Empress felt this incident couldn't be unrelated to Consort Zhuang.

Consort Zhuang hated Ning Shuyan. Since she entered the palace, the Emperor's favor toward Zhuang Fei had waned.

Such a devious scheme—it was exactly Consort Zhuang's style. Who else in the palace could obtain so many poisonous snakes and secretly release them into Liuyin Hall?

Even if it wasn't her, getting rid of her would only benefit the Empress. If it was her—then even better.

Xiao Yu said coldly, "Then I'll leave this matter to the Empress. If you can't find the culprit, I may have to assign someone to assist you in managing the harem."

Upon hearing this, the Empress's legs nearly gave out. Du Ruo hurriedly supported her. Her throat felt bitter. Yes, the inner palace had seen unrest, but she didn't have clairvoyance—how could she foresee what they would do?

Yet she could only swallow her grievances and kept her face calm and dignified. "Yes, this concubine understands."

Xiao Yu was visibly fatigued. He waved his hand toward the Empress and Consort Zhuang. "It's late. You should both go rest."

It was already night. Investigating now wouldn't yield much. But Xiao Yu had no intention of letting the culprit go.

And he certainly wouldn't leave the investigation entirely in the Empress's hands.

Consort Zhuang shot Ning Shuyan a sharp sideways glance before bowing with the Empress and leaving the inner hall.

At that moment, Qiule stepped forward. "The side hall has been prepared. Would Your Majesty and the consort like to move there?"

After so many snakes were killed in the hall, the memory was still terrifying. Sleeping there wasn't an option.

Xiao Yu instructed Yang An, "Lay down carpets throughout this hall. Also, bring in two snake-repellers and have them inspect all of Yichun Garden thoroughly."

Yang An immediately complied.

Xiao Yu then picked Ning Shuyan up in his arms and began walking toward the side hall.

Ning Shuyan, remembering he had also been bitten, quickly said, "Your Majesty, please let me down—I can walk on my own."

Xiao Yu only held her tighter and said gently, "You're weak right now. I'll carry you."

Ning Shuyan stopped resisting and wrapped her arms around his neck.

After entering the side hall, Xiao Yu gently placed her down. The palace attendants were all stationed outside, still uneasy from earlier and keeping watch on their surroundings.

After changing into nightclothes and lying down, Ning Shuyan felt parched. She was about to get up to pour some water when Xiao Yu pressed her down. "What's wrong?"

"I'm a bit thirsty," she said.

He immediately got up. "I'll pour it for you."

As she watched his retreating figure, Ning Shuyan's lips curved into a small smile. This move... was definitely the right one.

She drank the tea he brought, and Xiao Yu waited patiently beside her until she finished. His gaze was warm and gentle as jade.

Once they lay down, Xiao Yu naturally extended his arm, and Ning Shuyan nestled into it with a playful smile.

He gazed at her as she closed her eyes. She was stunning—he had always known that.

But in this moment, she seemed like a living painting of misty mountains and rivers—soft, serene, and incredibly endearing.

The more he looked, the more he was captivated—he simply couldn't get enough.