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This rainfall had many people on edge. The Youning Emperor felt complex emotions regarding the report in his hand; he was more eager to uncover who was guiding Xiao Changqing from behind the scenes, someone who could predict events more accurately than even the Imperial Observatory.
The Youning Emperor couldn't believe that Xiao Changqing would stake his life on such a gamble without someone backing him. Such a person capable of calculating heavenly secrets was someone the Emperor couldn't help but fear. Therefore, he had personally visited Xiao Changqing early that morning.
"The rainfall in Dengzhou has relieved the people's urgent needs. Fifth Prince, your contribution is immeasurable," the Youning Emperor said, sitting by the bedside. Xiao Changqing, confined to bed due to knee injuries, remained lying down.
"It is through Your Majesty's blessed protection. I merely sought desperate remedies by consulting some ancient texts in my illness. I dare not claim credit," Xiao Changqing replied with exceptional humility.
The Youning Emperor didn't believe the theory about accumulated yin energy in the Imperial Harem causing Dengzhou's severe drought. He was convinced Xiao Changqing had a mastermind behind him. This was precisely why Xiao Huayong had forbidden Shen Xihe from stepping forward—by drawing Xiao Changqing into the scheme, a balance was achieved. With a master strategist behind Xiao Changqing and northwestern military forces behind Shen Xihe, the Emperor's wariness would no longer focus solely on Shen Xihe. If both advantages were concentrated in Shen Xihe alone, the Emperor would likely disregard all propriety and tolerate her no longer, even at the cost of infamy.
"During Emperor Taizong's reign, though there was a precedent, it remained unique throughout history. Yet severe droughts have never been rare," the Youning Emperor spoke leisurely. "You possess remarkable courage to stake your life without solid evidence."
"Your Majesty, since there is precedent, how can it be without foundation?" Xiao Changqing lowered his head meekly. "I was merely anxious about Dengzhou's disaster. Someone had to address this matter. Granting amnesty to the Imperial Harem is no ordinary affair. Had I not guaranteed it with my life, everyone would rush to imitate—how would that end?"
The Youning Emperor suddenly looked up, his gaze sharp as he stared at Xiao Changqing: "Have you considered how you would face the consequences if no rain came?"
With long eyelashes lowered, concealing all emotion in his eyes, Xiao Changqing revealed slightly pale lips: "I only knew that if Dengzhou remained rainless, the people would suffer, Your Majesty would face difficulties, and court officials would evade responsibility. Prolonged thus, it would surely lead to national chaos.
As a imperial prince receiving official salary and enjoying feudal estates, I should share Your Majesty's burdens above and plead for the people below.
With the drought lasting half a year, the entire nation—from Your Majesty to the common people—has exhausted all methods without resolution. I didn't know if this method would work, but I was willing to offer my humble self to fulfill righteousness for the realm."
Xiao Changqing's impassioned speech, full of sincere devotion to both people and sovereign, seemed to ignore the Youning Emperor's probing and underlying purpose.
From this, the Youning Emperor understood that this son before him wouldn't reveal a single word of what he wanted to know.
The Emperor showed no displeasure. Instead, he reached out and patted Xiao Changqing's shoulder with appreciation and admiration: "To have such a son is a father's fortune; to have such a subject is a nation's blessing.
Regarding Dengzhou matters, your contribution is undeniable. Since you're already a prince, I've nothing left to award you. Consort Zhao has served me for decades. Though she committed grave errors, she has been punished. Considering her son's merits, I shall restore her position as Noble Consort, lift her house arrest, and she shall continue presiding over Hanzhang Palace."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Changqing clenched his jaw tightly, though his face showed great joy as he struggled to rise and give thanks: "I thank Your Majesty on my mother's behalf."Releasing Noble Consort Rong would simultaneously restrain Shen Xihe while hindering Xiao Changqing, all while allowing everyone to witness the Youning Emperor's "reward" to Xiao Changqing—a reward he had no choice but to accept!
Shen Xihe had just received the approved release roster from the Palace Service Department and the Imperial Clan Court. None of the people she intended to release had been retained by either office. Satisfied, she nodded and handed the document to Zhenzhu. "Go with the eunuchs from the Palace Service Department and personally oversee the process. Ensure every individual leaves the palace safely, with no unauthorized items or personal grudges interfering."
"Acknowledged." Zhenzhu received the roster with both hands and bowed before withdrawing. As she passed Hongyu entering the doorway, Hongyu stepped forward. "Your Highness, His Majesty has issued an edict restoring the Noble Consort title to the Rong clan, citing Prince Xin's merits."
Shen Xihe slightly lifted her gaze, her expression calm. Ever since Xiao Huayong shifted the matter onto Xiao Changqing, she had anticipated this outcome. Xiao Huayong's intention, coupled with the Youning Emperor's wariness toward both Xiao Changqing and Shen Xihe, made Noble Consort Rong's reinstatement inevitable.
With a light laugh, Shen Xihe slowly rose. Her sheer gauze sleeves slipped down, the trailing sashes pooling on the floor like flowing mist. As she moved, the silver-thread embroidered eucommia leaves shimmered faintly through her garments, ethereal and elegant.
"Bring the prepared personnel. We shall offer our congratulations to Her Ladyship the Noble Consort."
Her words still hung in the air as she departed, the eucommia leaves on her robe swaying in the wind as if chasing after her.
Though many remained in the palace—the Youning Emperor hadn't taken all consorts—none dared visit Noble Consort Rong at this time. Shen Xihe's presence in the palace, combined with her control over palace authority despite Noble Consort Rong's restored title, made the situation clear.
Shen Xihe arrived at Hanzhang Palace with over twenty palace maids in tow. Noble Consort Rong, dressed in plain garments, awaited them at the entrance. Though her face showed traces of fatigue, her grace remained undiminished. She displayed neither displeasure nor resentment upon seeing Shen Xihe.
"Thank you for troubling yourself to visit me, Crown Princess." Noble Consort Rong greeted her with practiced courtesy.
"His Majesty decreed your reinstatement. Since Hanzhang Palace's original maids were dismissed, and I manage the Imperial Harem, I couldn't neglect Your Ladyship's needs." Shen Xihe explained her purpose tonelessly. Turning to the maids following Hongyu, she instructed, "From today onward, you will serve at Hanzhang Palace."
"Acknowledged."
"How these individuals are assigned shall be entirely Your Ladyship's decision." Shen Xihe added to Noble Consort Rong.
"You've been most thoughtful, Crown Princess." Noble Consort Rong accepted them all with a smile, offering no objections or criticisms.
Shen Xihe smiled faintly. That Noble Consort Rong had maintained her position in the Youning Emperor's harem for so many years proved she was no ordinary opponent. Previously, she had grown complacent after long occupying the harem's pinnacle and never having crossed paths with Shen Xihe, leading to her swift downfall.
This lesson seemed to have restored her wits.
Shen Xihe had never enjoyed empty pleasantries. "Take care, Your Ladyship the Noble Consort."
"I shall remember your advice, Crown Princess." Noble Consort Rong remained unreadable.
After leaving the personnel behind, Shen Xihe returned to the Eastern Palace with Hongyu and others. Though it was already September, the capital's intense heat wouldn't subside until October. Despite her intolerance for heat, Shen Xihe had no plans to return to the resort palace. Using the post-amnesty administrative workload as justification, she remained in the capital to fill all necessary positions.The covert operatives planted by various factions within the palace were not limited to palace maids; there were also eunuchs. However, no method had been found to dismiss them all at once. Yet, a single tree cannot form a forest—these individuals would never operate alone while lurking in the palace. They were likely to assist one another. By dismissing all the palace maids, Shen Xihe had, to some extent, left them isolated and without support, making them hesitant to act rashly.
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