The atmosphere in Linghua Palace was more tense than anticipated.
Her strength depleted, Consort Li felt her vision blur multiple times, but gritted her teeth to keep herself upright.
The Empress, however, refused to let go. Seeing this, she narrowed her eyes and spoke softly.
"Consort Li, you were previously tasked with managing the Eastern Courtyard, and Consort Yu's Yuxiu Palace also fell under your purview. A concubine's disappearance is no small matter. Have you ascertained the reason for this incident?"
She knelt in front, eyes downcast, her posture unwavering, but her tone carried a distinct sense of settling old scores.
Consort Li, upon hearing this, mustered some strength to reply.
"Consort Yu's disappearance was sudden. According to reports from Yuxiu Palace, there were no prior omens. I have already ordered people to search throughout the palace, but as yet, no news has been received."
Two or three days had passed since the incident. No matter how large the imperial palace, it couldn't withstand the constant searching by so many palace staff. Yet, it was strangely peculiar. Consort Yu seemed to have vanished into thin air, completely evaporated.
The Empress naturally knew this outcome. She heard this and her gaze flickered backward, a sharp edge appearing in her eyes.
"Consort Yu is a concubine. How could she disappear from the palace without a trace? Have you not taken this matter seriously, causing your subordinates to be lax?"
Knowing she was deliberately making things difficult, Consort Li pursed her lips and bowed her head. "This matter concerns the peace of the harem, and I dare not slacken my efforts. However, this incident is truly quite strange, and the capabilities of my subordinates are limited. To find her, we will likely need the assistance of the Imperial Guards."
Previously, the Imperial Guards could still be dispatched by Ye Tingyun. But now, with the Empress in control of the palace's major affairs, they had even less authority to intervene. The decision on how to handle this matter rested entirely with her.
"Consort Li!"
The Empress reprimanded sharply, "The Imperial Guards are the Emperor's personal guards. How can they be mobilized by the harem without authorization? Do you know that such words constitute a crime of overstepping your bounds!"
Consort Rong could no longer tolerate her harsh words. Seeing this, her expression darkened, and she spoke coolly, "Empress, you have summoned us here today to pray for the Emperor's well-being. Why are you instead discussing other matters?"
"A concubine's disappearance is indeed a serious matter. Precisely because of this, we cannot place the entire responsibility on Consort Li alone. Now that you, Empress, have regained control of the harem, you should order an investigation into this matter."
The Empress shot her a look and snorted, "Consort Rong also knows this matter is not trivial. You and Consort Li jointly manage the harem, so why did you not assist her in investigating this matter from the beginning? Why did you only speak up after I brought it up?"
"Don't tell me you've been holding onto that precious scroll for so long precisely to investigate this matter!"
"Enough."
A low reprimand interrupted her aggressive questioning.
The Empress Dowager opened her eyes and looked over, her face etched with fatigue. "The Emperor is gravely ill, on the brink of death. You still have the mind to exert your authority here, Empress. Do you still have any regard for this old woman, me!"
The hall fell silent, and this minor commotion became exceptionally clear.
Having knelt there for a day, the consorts were already quite displeased with the Empress. Now, hearing the Empress Dowager's words, they immediately began to whisper amongst themselves.
Even with power, it was difficult to silence public opinion. The Empress saw this and her expression darkened, her demeanor immediately becoming more restrained.
"I have no intention of disrespect, Your Majesty. I beg your forgiveness."
The Empress Dowager, however, did not wish to speak further with her. She frowned, turned back, clasped her hands together, and closed her eyes again.
Having lost face, the Empress's expression was extremely unpleasant. Seeing this, her eyes flickered, and she cast a sharp glance at everyone.
The commotion in the hall instantly ceased. The Empress retracted her gaze, and with Qin Rulian's support, rose from the ground.
"The Emperor's condition is currently very critical. I will go to his sleeping quarters to check on him first. You all shall remain here with the Empress Dowager and continue to pray for His Majesty. Do not be negligent!"
After coldly issuing this command, she strode towards the hall's exit.
Outside the hall.
Ye Tingyun encountered the Empress emerging from within as soon as he arrived. His eyes darkened at the sight, and he quickly stepped forward.
"Imperial Step-Mother, are you returning to your palace?"
Caught by surprise, the Empress showed no sign of guilt. Instead, her brows rose, and her gaze fell upon him with a look of expected scrutiny.
Her voice was calm as she spoke, "Why has Prince Yun come here?"
Ye Tingyun had visited once today, and the eunuch guarding the gate had already informed her. Therefore, his arrival at this hour did not surprise her.
Ye Tingyun nodded in acknowledgment, his gaze fixed on the Empress's eyes, speaking neither subserviently nor arrogantly, "I heard Imperial Step-Mother summoned the harem here today to pray for Father Emperor. I came to observe."
The Empress nodded, her face still betraying no emotion.
Ye Tingyun did not wish to beat around the bush. His eyes darkened momentarily, and he asked directly.
"It is getting late. May I ask when Imperial Step-Mother plans to conclude this prayer session?"
The Empress raised her brows slightly upon hearing this, her gaze shifting towards him. "The Emperor is gravely ill, and this prayer is a matter of the heart for the harem. Prince Yun's words leave me somewhat unsure how to respond."
His question, in fact, played right into the Empress's hands.
Ye Tingyun lowered his head, ignoring the subtext in her words, and cupped his hands.
"Praying for Father Emperor's well-being is naturally something that is more the better. However, Grandmother is advanced in age and may not be able to endure such hardship."
"The harem has prayed for a full day, demonstrating their sincerity. I implore Imperial Step-Mother to order the imperial consorts to return and rest. I will perform the prayers on their behalf."
He wanted to have them dismissed without giving her any reason for criticism, and this was the only way to achieve both.
The Empress was clearly intrigued by this.
"Oh? You wish to pray for His Majesty in place of the entire harem?"
Ye Tingyun nodded. "Father Emperor is gravely ill. It is my duty to show filial piety."
The Empress raised her brows, a calculating glint appearing in her eyes. Her response, however, was one of hesitation.
"This..."
Ye Tingyun was the greatest obstacle to Ye Tingzhu's ascension. If he could be controlled, things would naturally become much easier.
"Please issue your order, Imperial Step-Mother."
Upon hearing this, a dark gleam flashed in the Empress's eyes. She feigned a sigh and said, "Very well. It is rare to see such filial piety from you. I shall agree."
With that, she looked at the eunuch guarding the door and gave her instructions.
"Alright, go and inform the Empress Dowager and all the consorts that they have been most diligent in their prayers today. They may now return to their respective palaces. Do not let Prince Yun's filial piety be in vain."
The eunuch acknowledged the order and quickly entered the hall.
Seeing this, the Empress calmly withdrew her gaze and said to Ye Tingyun, "I will go and see His Majesty first."
After speaking, she led her entourage towards the Emperor's sleeping quarters. Before stepping away, Qin Rulian, having received a look, bowed slightly but remained in place, not following.
Ye Tingyun had no time to look at her. He hastily offered a禮 and hurried into the hall.
However, the moment he stepped through the hall's entrance, he heard a commotion from within. He looked forward and saw Consort Li, unable to hold on any longer, toppling uncontrollably.
"Mother Consort!"