Chapter 85: Who is Behind the Curtain?
Zheng Haoyuan was caught off guard by this slap, staggering back one step before returning to his senses and looking at Noble Consort Wen incredulously.
Noble Consort Wen was resolute, her trembling fingers hidden in her voluminous sleeves. If she hadn’t taken the initiative, the Empress, who already had an unfavorable impression of Fu Gong, would have suspected her even more because of the previous assassination attempt on the Crown Prince.
Seeing this, Zheng Haoyuan’s eyes reddened instantly, and in the next moment, he decisively ran out.
Noble Consort Wen let out a sigh of relief, turned around firmly, and respectfully knelt on the ground.
"Empress, Fu Gong has been obstinate since childhood. It’s my negligence in discipline," Noble Consort Wen said earnestly. "I have already lost one son, for the remaining one, I dare not hope for much greatness, only for him to grow up safely and happily."
Empress Xiao looked at Noble Consort Wen on the ground. Empress Xiao was extremely tall; Zheng Congyuan must have inherited her height. Standing there, she commanded authority effortlessly. At that moment, she scrutinized Noble Consort Wen, as if trying to discern the sincerity in her words.
Zheng Nianru stood to one side, showing no intention of speaking. In her view, she did not exist in the eyes of these power holders in the Harem. Moreover, Noble Consort Wen was indeed a very astute person. Her humble yet dignified demeanor would greatly reduce any suspicions the Empress might have.
Zheng Nianru had once studied Empress Xiao, calculating how likely it was that she could remain undiscovered in the Crown Prince’s Mansion, and if recognized, how much chance she had of staying.
The air was quiet, with Empress Xiao surrounded by a host of attendants and palace maids, standing densely around. Everyone from Noble Consort Wen kneeled quietly, their silence exerting immense pressure.