Qian Shan nodded, obeying Song Chaoyu's instruction.
They both knew this was the last time.
Once they passed this hurdle today, Qian Shan could return to a normal life, forever free from the struggles in the capital.
But this very hurdle today was the most difficult to overcome!
The Emperor, influenced by Prince Ning's instigation, had not been as favorably disposed towards the Crown Prince and Mu Changxi as before.
Once a seed of suspicion was planted in the Emperor's heart, it would take root and sprout.
On the way, Song Chaoyu had only one instruction for Qian Shan: no matter what happened, no matter what was said, she absolutely must not open her eyes!
Even if the Emperor were to order Mu Changxi and Song Chaoyu executed on the spot, she must not open her eyes.
As long as she remembered this, all dangers would pass.
***
It was unclear if the Emperor had deliberately dismissed others. When Song Chaoyu and her entourage entered the palace, the imperial grounds felt strangely "empty."
Even the palace maids and eunuchs on the paths were few. Only the eunuch delivering the imperial decree led them toward the Emperor's Yang'an Hall.
Song Chaoyu had always treated these palace staff well during her previous visits.
Therefore, this eunuch, who was close to the Emperor, quietly advised Song Chaoyu, "This servant does not know why His Majesty summoned the Prince and Princess today. However, this servant can tell the Princess about what happened last night until this morning, so that the Princess may have some idea!"
Song Chaoyu lowered her gaze, naturally grateful to the eunuch.
He said that the events had unfolded in the middle of the night.
Originally, Prince Ning's mother, Consort Li, was not favored. However, in the past two years, Prince Ning had gained the Emperor's favor, and naturally, in the harem, "a mother's status rises with her son."
Consort Li's background was not high. After careful consideration, the Emperor had decided to elevate Consort Li to the rank of Noble Consort yesterday, bestowing upon her the title "Noble Consort Rui."
According to ancestral rules, since she had been promoted, the Emperor was supposed to stay in Noble Consort Rui's palace that night.
However, it was unknown what Noble Consort Rui had said to the Emperor during the night. At the fourth watch, the Emperor had risen in anger and smashed many items in the Noble Consort's palace.
At the time, everyone assumed the Emperor was angry with Noble Consort Rui.
Unexpectedly, after Noble Consort Rui had appeased the Emperor, the Emperor summoned Prince Ning to the palace.
Prince Ning remained in Noble Consort Rui's palace until dawn. The Emperor then attended the morning court with Prince Ning, and after the court, the Emperor's expression was extremely grim.
Following the morning court, the Emperor summoned the Empress and Noble Consort Rui to Yang'an Hall, and then called for the Imperial Consort, mother of Prince Chang.
Finally, he sent for the carriage to bring Prince Chang and his wife into the palace.
At this point, the eunuch sighed, "This servant has served His Majesty for many years and rarely sees him throw such tantrums. Therefore, it is best for the Prince and Princess to be cautious when entering Yang'an Hall today. Moreover, Prince Ning's Consort had also come earlier, and His Majesty then summoned the envoy from the Southern Kingdom, Lord Qiu, and a few others. It seems a prisoner was also brought in. Yang'an Hall is likely quite lively right now."
They were here with ill intentions, and their arrival was formidable.
If they were to be afraid, they should have been afraid long ago.
Song Chaoyu signaled for Tiao Hong to offer a gift to the eunuch. Then, she took a deep breath and looked ahead, "Our Prince Chang's mansion conducts itself with integrity. Whatever anyone says, we have nothing to fear."
These words were spoken for the eunuch to hear, but she also hoped the Emperor would hear them.
The eunuch accepted the gift, understood her meaning, and escorted Song Chaoyu and her entourage to Yang'an Hall.
***
Inside Yang'an Hall at this moment, the usual Dragon Saliva Incense favored by the Emperor had been extinguished, replaced by sandalwood incense, which was more calming.
As Song Chaoyu entered, she saw the Emperor and Empress seated in the center.
The Emperor's expression was visibly displeased, and the dark circles under his eyes indicated he had not slept well last night.
Previously, when the Emperor looked at Song Chaoyu and Mu Changxi, his gaze was always gentle.
But today, as Song Chaoyu entered, she felt his gaze, imbued with imperial authority, fall upon her.
Song Chaoyu remained unfazed, performing the customary kowtow to the Emperor as usual.
However, after she completed the ceremony, the Emperor did not bid her to rise.
Kneeling alongside her was also the Imperial Consort.
Song Chaoyu secretly glanced at the Imperial Consort, noticing she was kneeling beside her. The Imperial Consort looked as if she had just finished crying, her eyes filled with immense grievance, and her body trembled slightly.
However, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess were not present today. It was unclear if this was deliberate on the Emperor's part, to prevent the Crown Prince from speaking in defense of Prince Chang's mansion.
Occasionally, when the Emperor looked at the Imperial Consort, there was a hint of concern in his eyes.
Song Chaoyu had not yet seen the people from the Southern Kingdom, nor Mu Changxi.
She surmised they must be behind the golden dragon ascending clouds screen nearby. The Emperor would surely give Song Chaoyu and "Prince Chang" an opportunity to explain.
The Emperor continued to delay bidding Song Chaoyu to rise. It was the Empress who lightly cleared her throat, signaling Song Chaoyu to stand, "Princess Chang, please rise first. We have summoned you here today to ask about a major matter. Princess Chang, you must always remember your status and answer Prince Ning's questions truthfully. Do you understand?"
Song Chaoyu nodded, "This concubine understands and will speak truthfully without reservation."
The Empress then nodded and sighed at the Imperial Consort, "Imperial Consort, you may also rise. This is not a confrontation; the matter has not yet been settled. Does your kneeling here not cause the Emperor distress?"
At least, over the years, the Emperor's affection for the Imperial Consort had been genuine.
But even the greatest affection seemed insignificant in this imperial palace.
As Song Chaoyu had anticipated, the Imperial Consort stubbornly shook her head, "This matter concerns the purity of this subject, Prince Chang, and Princess Chang. As long as His Majesty harbors any suspicion towards this subject, I cannot rise. Only after everything is resolved and my innocence is clear will I rise."
"Let her kneel!"
Unexpectedly, the Emperor seemed unable to do anything about the Imperial Consort's stubbornness. He sighed, his hand resting on his chin, "If they wish to kneel, let them all kneel! She and Chang'er are both stubborn. I merely asked a few questions, and they have such temperaments?"
However, he then waved his hand at Song Chaoyu, "Princess Chang, you may rise! If your entire family kneels to answer me, those outside might think I am bullying you!"
Song Chaoyu naturally stood up. Prince Ning then cleared his throat and also stood, "Princess Chang, the matter Your Imperial Father wishes to ask you today is of great importance. You must not conceal anything!"
Song Chaoyu's disdain for Mu Hansu was evident on her face, "Ask away, Brother Ning. After all, you have long been displeased with our Prince Chang's mansion."