Chapter 974: Chapter 970: The End of the Story (14)
The Yulin Guards, who were ignorant of the truth and brimming with murderous intent, were gearing up with weapons and about to storm into the hall.
Suddenly, screams erupted within the palace, and the palace staff fled in all directions, only to be seized by the strong guards as soon as they exited the hall. Despite the fact that the area was as bright as daytime due to the torches, each person’s heart was filled with cold despair. The nobles lurking, hiding, or watching around Caisi Palace also remained silent, fearing they would suffer as collateral damage.
Some guards broke in, and the nanny beside Consort Wen blocked the entrance, shouting loudly, "How dare you! This is the sleeping chamber of the Imperial Concubine. How can you filthy people enter? Do you have any regard for the Emperor, any regard for the law?"
"Get out!" Someone pushed her aside, preparing to storm in, but suddenly Consort Wen emerged from the side hall, dressed in palace attire and smirking coldly as she surveyed the crowd.
The guards paused, not daring to force their way in, but also refusing to leave.
The confrontation was silent, and tension was high.
Commander Cao turned to look at Old Madam Shen, who then walked through the palace gates, stood behind the crowd, and stared at Consort Wen, saying imposing, "Imperial Concubine, you need not make things difficult for them. They have no choice. Since there are villains in the palace, they must be apprehended and eliminated. Otherwise, if a catastrophe arises, I’m sure even you couldn’t bear the responsibility." After pausing, she stepped forward, her gaze falling on Consort Wen’s face, "Besides, with you obstructing like this, it indeed makes one suspect you’re intentionally harboring the villains, which isn’t good."
"Grand Dowager, having people surround my Caisi Palace—whether it’s to capture villains—I’m sure Grand Dowager knows best." Consort Wen replied, laughing coldly, "You need not put on airs, Grand Dowager. You’re plainly using the Emperor’s absence to settle personal scores. I tell you, unless you step over my corpse, you’ll never achieve your aim."
"Is that so." Old Madam Shen was in no mood for more talk, her arm raised as she was about to speak when a nanny hurriedly approached from behind, whispering, "Grand Dowager, outside the palace gate, Lord Tong, Lord Wu, and Marquis Xuanning request an audience, gathering half of the court officials..." She cast a glance at the Grand Dowager, "This matter is no small thing; don’t you want to take a look?"
Indeed, it was as expected—they had planned this perfectly, waiting for this moment!
She snorted coldly; with the Emperor absent, she wanted to see who ultimately wins or loses.
"Let them cause the commotion." Saying this, her gaze returned to Consort Wen, "Search thoroughly!" Her tone was terrifying, showing no mercy.
With a booming sound, footsteps drummed, even Consort Wen had to retreat a step, her expression changed slightly, her palms sweating!
At that moment, the curtain behind the side hall fluttered, Old Madam Shen’s eyes darted behind like an arrow, just as she was about to speak...
Abruptly, a chilling, commanding voice echoed from outside Caisi Palace: "What is going on here!" As the words ended, someone had already entered from outside...
Everyone turned their eyes to see a tall figure blocking the doorway. Standing with hands behind, draped in dark brocade with hair tied high, he exuded authority without fury.
It was Grand Commander Xiao!
Consort Wen felt a surge of joy in her heart, her tense expression relaxed, while the curtain also came to a stop, the shadow behind it flitted and disappeared again.
"Grand Commander Xiao." Old Madam Shen turned around, raising an eyebrow to ask, "This is the inner palace, isn’t it inappropriate for Grand Commander Xiao to enter uninvited?"
Fourth Master Xiao glanced around the hall, his gaze settling on Commander Cao’s face; with Shi Shengjie absent, the Yulin Guards were under his management.
Commander Cao’s eyes narrowed, he hung his head, not daring to meet his gaze.
"Grand Dowager’s words are justified." Fourth Master Xiao nodded slightly, not intending to come in, "Yet, in here, it’s not only me. How does Grand Dowager explain this?"
Old Madam Shen stepped forward toward Fourth Master Xiao; the crowd automatically opened a path. She stood before him, responding, "This is a matter of the harem, no need for an outsider like Grand Commander Xiao to worry." Fourth Master Xiao sharply retorted, "Since it’s the inner palace, why is Grand Dowager here?"
Given it’s the inner palace, none here are supposed to be present. If it’s overstepping boundaries, adding one more makes no difference.
Old Madam Shen was at a loss for words, after pausing, she replied, "There are villains in the palace running amok, setting Glazed Palace on fire, now hiding in Caisi Palace. With the Empress ill, it’s only appropriate the elderly step in... yet Grand Commander Xiao, what brings you here?"
Fourth Master Xiao raised an eyebrow, not wishing to elaborate, responding concisely, "To fetch my wife back home."
Old Madam Shen was about to speak when noise suddenly rose from the side hall, which then returned to silence. She turned to Fourth Master Xiao and said, "No need for secrecy, Grand Commander Xiao. Since you are here, I will not hide it from you. Tonight, the one who set Glazed Palace ablaze is Fourth Madam, and this very moment, I am capturing her; hence, I must ask for Grand Commander Xiao’s understanding: Fourth Madam cannot be given to you."
In those narrow eyes, a gleam of icy light flickered, Fourth Master Xiao stood coldly at the palace gate, his presence frighteningly intimidating. He said nothing yet made others’ hearts shudder.
In the spacious Caisi Palace, over a dozen people stood bustling, yet at this moment, no one spoke, the silence was terrifying...
Old Madam Shen, unyielding, stared at Fourth Master Xiao, asking, "What’s this, is Grand Commander Xiao feeling indignant?" With a pause, she continued, "I understand your feelings; when hearing of Ji’er’s death, I felt the same way." With a shift in gaze, she added, "Grand Commander Xiao, this situation is not what I wish to see either. How about we sit down and discuss it, shall we?"
Fourth Master Xiao said nothing but turned his gaze toward Commander Cao; Old Madam Shen raised an eyebrow and instructed, "All of you withdraw."
"Yes!" Commander Cao complied, leading the Yulin Guards out of the hall.
Old Madam Shen was about to speak when the Empress was carried in. Old Madam Shen frowned, walking over and softly asked, "Why have you come?"
"I’m worried about you." The Empress glanced at Fourth Master Xiao, "Since Grand Commander Xiao is here, please have a seat."
Fourth Master Xiao offered a slight bow and sat down in the chair brought by the palace servants, while Old Madam Shen and the Empress took seats opposite him. Still frightened, Consort Wen sat quietly at the side.
"Now there are no outsiders." Old Madam Shen glanced at Consort Wen, then addressed Fourth Master Xiao, "Forgive my bluntness, given the current situation, the stalemate between us makes for a laughingstock." After pausing, she continued, "Even if the Emperor learns of this, he would be displeased, bringing no benefit to either of us. What’s the point?"
Fourth Master Xiao’s gaze turned to her, asking lightly, "What do you mean?"
"I mean, I will no longer pursue the matter of my son’s death, nor will I investigate Fujian’s false military reports, provided Grand Commander Xiao..." Old Madam Shen calmly stated, "As long as Grand Commander Xiao voluntarily requests resignation from the Emperor, never returning to the capital for life."
As if it was a joke, before Fourth Master Xiao could speak, Consort Wen burst into laughter, prompting Old Madam Shen to shoot a look at her. Consort Wen sheepishly shut her mouth.
