Chapter 430: Chapter 430: Implicated
But naturally, she would never say such a thing to Consort Ru’s face.
"Mother Consort, it’s too late to talk about that now. The most important thing is to ensure Second Brother’s survival."
She lowered her voice.
"Father Emperor has few heirs. Even if he demoted Second Brother to a commoner in a fit of rage, it doesn’t mean he won’t have a chance to make a comeback someday."
These words finally rekindled a spark of hope in Consort Ru.
’That’s right!’
’Where there’s life, there’s hope. His Majesty didn’t kill Cheng Xuan, so there’s still a chance to fight for everything!’
Consort Ru nodded repeatedly. "Yes, that’s right! As long as I hold my position, Cheng Xuan... can definitely be restored!"
’The Eldest Prince died young, and the Fourth Prince has a leg ailment. Only the second and third sons are true contenders for the throne.’
’If the third son...’
Consort Ru suddenly remembered something. "Oh, right. His Majesty sent men to Guanling to find an antidote for the third son. Have they found any leads yet?"
’Xiao Chengqi has been poisoned. If it isn’t cured soon, he’ll lose that arm.’
’At that point... it will be Cheng Xuan’s chance!’
’After all, neither His Majesty nor the court officials would ever choose a cripple to sit on the throne!’
’Xiao Chengxuan is clearly trapped in a hopeless situation. To break this deadlock, we have to strike from the outside!’
’And Xiao Chengqi—he’s the key!’
"Not yet."
Xiao Lansi shook her head.
"Guanling is a thousand miles from the Capital City. Even for elite light cavalry, a round trip would take half a month. Besides, the antidote might not be easy to find. Who knows how much more time will be lost..."
’Even if they did find the antidote, by the time they brought it back, the optimal window for treatment would have long passed.’
’Xiao Chengqi was most likely doomed to be crippled.’
Hearing this, Consort Ru clutched her chest and let out a long sigh of relief.
"That’s good, that’s good..."
Xiao Lansi accompanied her back to her chambers and spent a long time consoling her.
"In any case, you must not panic. Mr. Jiang is out there, and he will not sit idly by."
The great weight in Consort Ru’s heart finally lifted.
’That’s right!’
’Cheng Xuan may be in trouble, but he still has the Jiang family behind him!’
She thought of writing a letter to the Jiang family, but after long consideration, she decided against it.
The situation was tense, and she feared that people with ulterior motives were watching her every move.
If someone were to find a pretext to cause more trouble, things would be even worse.
Consort Ru ultimately dismissed the thought. After a moment of contemplation, her gaze fell upon Xiao Lansi.
Now that her emotions had stabilized, she was completely calm.
Recalling Xiao Lansi’s reaction to the day’s events, she realized she had truly underestimated her.
"Lanxi, thank goodness you were here," Consort Ru said, wiping the corner of her eye. "If it weren’t for you, I would have made a terrible, foolish mistake."
"Mother Consort, please don’t say that. You and Second Brother are my closest family. It was only what I should do."
Xiao Lansi seemed unaccustomed to praise and shook her head, a little embarrassed.
Consort Ru studied her closely. Though she still had the same gentle and timid appearance, she now seemed different from before.
"I always thought you were too indecisive, but who would have known that at a time like this, you’d be the one to hold things together. It seems your years away have toughened you up considerably."
Xiao Lansi simply smiled, said it was undeserved praise, and quickly changed the subject, instructing a palace maid to bring tea.
Consort Ru lifted the teacup and took a sip of hot tea, soothing her dry, anxious mouth.
After a moment, Consort Ru seemed to recall something. She set down her cup, her brow knitting with a hint of worry.
Xiao Lansi asked, "Mother Consort, are you still worried about Second Brother?"
Consort Ru shook her head.
Chengxin Lake, located in the western part of the Capital City, was a Royal Villa commissioned by Emperor Taizong.
However, it had since fallen into disuse.
’Cheng Xuan is imprisoned there. Although life will be much harder, at least he’s safe.’
’I can’t go there anytime soon, so there’s no use in worrying.’
’If anything changes, Father will surely contact me at the first opportunity.’
’Right now, the only thing I can do is wait quietly in the palace.’
"I was thinking about you."
Xiao Lansi paused, somewhat surprised. "Me?"
"Yes. I’ve been meaning to find a good match for you, but before I could choose anyone, this whole mess with Cheng Xuan happened..."
Consort Ru sighed.
"This will inevitably affect you as well."
Xiao Lansi’s birth mother was of low status, so Emperor Muwu had disliked her from the moment she was born. Though a Princess in name, her life was actually quite miserable.
Later, Consort Ru took her in and raised her for a few years, which made her life a little better.
However, it wasn’t long before Emperor Muwu issued an edict and sent her away from the capital.
None of the high-ranking families in the capital would be willing to marry such an unfavored Princess.
Previously, thanks to her connection with Consort Ru and Xiao Chengxuan, she could still consider some talented young men as potential marriage partners. But before any match could be arranged, this disaster struck.
Now, she was completely dragged down by it as well.
Everyone was avoiding them at all costs; who would even consider a marriage alliance now?
Xiao Lansi understood her meaning but simply shook her head.
"I know that since the day I was born, I’ve never had a choice in anything. As for my marriage... I never dared to hope for much to begin with. You have already worried so much for me. I understand, and I am deeply grateful."
Consort Ru was somewhat taken aback. "You... you truly think so?"
’What woman in this world doesn’t want to find an ideal husband?’
’Xiao Lansi’s marriage prospects were being ruined just like that. Could she really accept it so calmly?’
As if guessing her thoughts, Xiao Lansi’s lips curved into a gentle, demure smile.
"Of course it’s true."
She said softly,
"You and Second Brother are the most important people in the world to me."
...
News of what happened during the morning court session quickly spread throughout the noble families of the Capital City.
The dramatic shift in the court’s political landscape caught everyone by surprise.
No one had expected that the case of Xu Jie would ultimately lead to such an outcome.
The Second Prince, Xiao Chengxuan, once the most promising candidate for the throne, had been demoted to a commoner overnight. Everything he had worked for had vanished in an instant.
This event was like a boulder cast into a placid lake, instantly churning up a tidal wave.
However, in a certain residence within the Capital City, someone had just leisurely brewed a cup of tea and spoke in a faintly mocking tone:
"That’s it?"
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