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

Consort Zhuang knelt dumbfounded in place, raising her head to look straight at Xiao Yu, her lips trembling as she called out in disbelief, "Your Majesty..."

The pain from kneeling on the ground seemed to pierce straight into her heart—heavy and agonizing.

Over the years, Xiao Yu had always indulged her in everything. In the palace, aside from the Empress, she held the highest status, enjoying the finest silks and rare tributes.

Even when she made mistakes, the worst consequence was temporary cold treatment—he had never spoken harshly to her, never punished her.

Only now did Consort Zhuang realize—with her father's downfall, her backer was gone.

There was no one left to protect her.

A wave of panic and helplessness surged in her heart, making her chest feel unbearably heavy.

She crawled forward on her knees and clutched Xiao Yu's robe, eyes brimming with tears, sobbing, "Your Majesty... are you truly going to discard all our years together?"

She was undeniably beautiful, and this rare display of tearful sorrow made her seem even more pitiful.

But Xiao Yu only looked away in disgust and forcefully pulled his robe from her grip, leaving her hand hanging in the air as her tears silently fell to the floor.

"I've given you countless chances. Everything that's happened now—you brought upon yourself. Stop disgracing the word 'sentiment.'"

Consort Zhuang stared blankly at him, as if she had fallen into an icy abyss, her entire body frozen. Every word he said was like a knife stabbing into her heart. The pain, shock, and hatred welled up all at once, making her feel suffocated and nauseous. She lowered her head and retched dryly.

The Empress knew Consort Zhuang was a master at feigning illness to gain sympathy.

They had finally sentenced her to death. They must not let the Emperor's pity be stirred again.

She immediately ordered, "Take Consort Zhuang away and bring the poisoned wine and white silk!"

Eunuchs stepped forward at once. Consort Zhuang clutched her chest in distress, sitting dazedly like a wooden statue. Her eyes flickered with thought.

As the eunuchs pulled her up, she felt intense nausea in her stomach, nearly vomiting.

Suddenly, a spark of realization lit up her eyes like fireworks. She broke free from the eunuchs' grasp and loudly declared, "Your Majesty cannot kill me!"

Seeing her speak with such confidence, the Empress snapped, "What a joke! The Emperor is the Son of Heaven, and you're a criminal. Who says he can't?"

Consort Zhuang stepped forward, holding her head high. "Because I am carrying the royal heir!"

Gasps filled the hall. Everyone who had just relaxed tensed again.

The Empress's eyebrows knitted tightly. She barked, "Still lying at the brink of death?!"

Consort Zhuang raised an eyebrow. "If you don't believe me, summon the imperial physicians."

The Empress laughed coldly. "Still stubborn even now!"

Others might not know the truth, but the Empress did—anyone else might become pregnant, but not Consort Zhuang!

"Your Majesty, I truly might be pregnant," Consort Zhuang said softly, placing a hand on her flat belly.

Xiao Yu's cold expression shifted to one of conflicted emotion. He stared at her and said, "Summon two imperial physicians."

Ning Shuyan and Cheng Yin exchanged glances. They both knew—if Consort Zhuang was pregnant, she could not be executed.

After all, she was carrying the Emperor's child.

The hall fell into complete silence.

Fragrant incense drifted from the phoenix-shaped burner, peaceful and calming—but now it felt stifling.

Consort Zhuang gently moved her hand on her abdomen.

Her period was over ten days late, and earlier she had felt nauseous. All signs pointed to pregnancy. The pills she had taken were extremely effective—she was confident she was pregnant!

If she really was... this child had come just in time.

The oppressive atmosphere finally broke when Physicians Ji and Liu arrived. After their greetings, Xiao Yu ordered, "Examine Consort Zhuang."

Consort Zhuang's legs were weak, and she was finally allowed to sit. Though still nervous—she wasn't completely sure.

Ning Shuyan's palm was slick with cold sweat as she stared intently at Physician Ji's hand on the pulse.

Xiao Yu's face was stern and tight as he absently turned the jade ring on his finger.

After both physicians examined her, they exchanged glances and nodded to each other before saying, "Your Majesty, Consort Zhuang is over a month pregnant."

Ning Shuyan sucked in a sharp breath, her hands clenched so tightly the veins bulged on the back of her pale hands.

The Empress looked as if she had been struck by lightning. Her face turned ashen and her brow twitched violently. "How can this be?! Are you certain?!"

Physician Liu bowed. "Your Majesty, I examined her thoroughly. Although her pulse is slightly unstable, it is indeed a pregnancy pulse."

The Empress felt her chest constrict—how?! Consort Zhuang had taken so much contraceptive medicine. How could she be pregnant?

Her sharp nails dug into her palm. The pain brought her back to her senses. She looked helplessly toward Xiao Yu, only to find his face darkened.

All of Consort Zhuang's fear and pain vanished in an instant, replaced with overwhelming joy.

She caressed her belly and knelt down. "I know I am deeply guilty, but the child in my womb is innocent. I've waited eight years for this child. Please, Your Majesty, let me give birth before punishing me."

She bowed deeply, her forehead knocking hard against the floor.

Xiao Yu's face was clouded with gloom. After a moment's thought, he said coldly, "Consort Zhuang of the Nangong family—your title is stripped. You are demoted to cainü and confined to the side hall of Yi He Palace. Your fate will be decided after the child is born."

Then he rose, face grim, and strode out of the hall.

Consort Zhuang was stunned. She didn't expect her title to be revoked—and demoted to a cainü?

She wanted to plead, but Xiao Yu had already walked past her.

She bit her lip and stared at her flat belly, taking a deep breath. It doesn't matter. As long as I have this child, I won't die.

Cainü? So what? As long as she lived, she could climb her way back up.

Cheng Yin glared fiercely at her, chest heaving with fury. She stood and snapped, "Someone as vicious as you doesn't deserve to be a mother!"

Consort Zhuang—no, now Cainü Nangong—lifted her eyebrows smugly. "But I am pregnant. What can you do? If you're capable, get pregnant yourself."

Cheng Yin's rage boiled over. She raised her hand, ready to slap her, but Ning Shuyan quickly grabbed her arm and shook her head.

The Empress rubbed her temples, clearly exhausted. "Everyone, leave. Zhuang Fei—no, Cainü—stay quietly in the palace and tend to your pregnancy. Do not cause further trouble."

Cainü Nangong gave a gentle smile. "Yes, Your Majesty. No need to worry about me."