A middle-aged emperor, childless, was blessed with a beautiful and pregnant concubine who entered th

This is the Crown Prince's tent at this time.

"What?"

"Your Highness, you're not joking with me, are you?"

The Crown Princess looked on in disbelief.

The crown prince's face darkened. "What I heard with my own ears, how could it be false?"

The Crown Princess immediately became anxious, "But didn't they say His Majesty has no heir?"

"For so many years, there has only been Princess Chaoyang! What if..."

If His Majesty can give birth, what role will Xie Jing play? What role will she, as the Crown Princess, play?

Her marriage to the crown prince was not initially based on love.

It was her father who was investing in the future.

After all, Xie Jing has been established as the heir apparent, and she could become empress in the future.

As a member of the imperial family, her clan was also able to usher in a golden period of development.

But after marrying the Crown Prince, Lady Xiao's heart was captivated.

Even though Madam Xiao knew that Xie Jing was not as gentle and refined as he appeared on the surface.

He was even philandering, cruel, and ruthless.

But she fell into it for no reason and was unable to extricate herself.

Furthermore, since she had already given birth to two legitimate sons for Xie Jing, she was essentially tied to Xie Jing's fate.

But if Consort Zhen is really pregnant and gives birth to a prince in the future, then what will become of her, Xie Jing, and their son?

Xiao panicked.

"Your Highness, we need to make plans as soon as possible..."

After calming down, Xiao made a decision immediately.

On the contrary, Xie Jing, recalling that stunningly beautiful face, that unbridled, even self-righteous face, subconsciously clenched his teeth.

That damned Zhou Mingyi!

But the problem is, he just can't bring himself to deal with her!

He even wanted to emulate a certain emperor from the previous dynasty, and after he ascended the throne, change the identity of his "stepmother" so that he could openly possess her!

Why?

How could she possibly get pregnant with Xie Jinghong's child?

The crown prince was so angry that his face turned blue.

The Crown Princess thought the Crown Prince was just too angry.

But she didn't know that Xie Jing's heart suddenly clenched, and the emotion that gripped his heart and lungs, as if insects were gnawing at him, was clearly jealousy!

He was actually jealous that Xie Jinghong had gotten her pregnant.

She was suspected of being pregnant with Xie Jinghong's child!

Xie Jinghong, you deserve to die!

"Your Highness?"

The Crown Princess couldn't help but whisper her name.

"Shut up!"

Xie Jing warned with a dark expression.

The Crown Princess's expression was displeased, but then she suddenly remembered something. "Where's Qingliu? Wasn't she supposed to have come to the hunting grounds disguised as a eunuch? Why hasn't she come to serve us?"

The crown prince became even more displeased when he heard her mention this.

If only he had known... if only he had known, he should have taken her right there and then!

Even if she carries Xie Jinghong's child in her womb, he will give himself entirely to her...

Even Xie Jing felt that his emotions were too inexplicable, but he just couldn't control them.

"I sent her away."

The Crown Princess was slightly pleased to hear this.

She couldn't help but say softly, "Although we should make plans early, since His Majesty hasn't said anything, perhaps it will be the same as last time with Consort Jin..."

Although the matter of Consort Jin was kept under wraps, there's never any news about the palace that's absolutely confidential.

The Crown Princess had already received the news.

Emperor Qianwu's official explanation was that Consort Jin disrespected the Prince and deceived the Emperor, and that her father and brothers were disloyal and unjust for raising such a wicked daughter, so naturally they should also be implicated.

Kim's father and brothers were commoners before she entered the palace.

The daughter entered the palace and became a beauty. The poor man suddenly became rich and became arrogant.

In fact, Emperor Qianwu didn't need to find a reason at all. This family was just asking for trouble, so their exile was truly deserved.

The crown prince's face turned cold. "Shut up!"

Feeling wronged, the Crown Princess couldn't help but say, "Your Majesty, I will always be of one mind with you. I was just worried... why must you be like this?"

The Crown Prince realized that the Crown Princess was indeed always of one mind with him, and he calmed down a little.

"You go out first, let me have some peace and quiet."

The Crown Princess remained silent for a moment, and she began to understand the Crown Prince's feelings to some extent.

If she were the crown prince, she would also suffer a heart attack.

Having finally distinguished himself from numerous princes and become the crown prince, he suddenly discovers that one of the emperor's concubines is pregnant...

This kind of thing is incredibly frustrating!

Of course, now that she's tied to the Crown Prince, the Crown Princess is also suffering a heart attack.

"Then, I'll take my leave now."

The Crown Prince waved his hand, and the Crown Princess gave him another deep look before turning and leaving the tent.

After leaving, the Crown Princess said to the nanny beside her, "Go and find someone to investigate whether that vile woman Qingliu really disguised herself as a eunuch and infiltrated the hunting grounds."

"Did the Crown Prince's men send her back again?"

The old woman, a confidante of the Crown Princess, said, "Your Highness, since His Highness has already sent her back, it means she's not important to him. Why bother investigating further?"

The old woman was worried that the Crown Princess might not have handled things properly and that the Crown Prince would eventually find out, which would damage their relationship.

After all, the Crown Prince was known for his womanizing ways and the large number of women in his harem. The Crown Princess had known this for a long time and had already made preparations when she decided to marry him.

Why hold a grudge now?

According to the old woman's thinking, since the Crown Prince was considerate and sent the person back, that was enough to give the Crown Princess face, so why bother to investigate further?

But the Crown Princess insisted.

"Go when I tell you to."

"Your Majesty..."

"What are you still standing there for?"

Seeing that the Crown Princess was angry, the nanny immediately said, "Yes, this servant will go right away."

The Crown Princess was anxious. In fact, she was not worried about the Crown Prince's feelings for Qingliu. She had discovered some clues. Perhaps the woman was not Qingliu at all?

The Crown Prince already has so many women, yet there are still some hiding outside, secretly having affairs!

This gesture alone was enough to put the Crown Princess on her guard.

If the Crown Prince is already so concerned about that woman, what will happen when he ascends the throne?

She dared not take it lightly.

Although Xiao was fond of Xie Jing, it was more her own desire for control that was at play.

She's going to be an empress someday.

How can we allow someone to take advantage of us right under our noses?

Wouldn't people laugh at us if we told them?

But nothing is set in stone yet, so she dares not speak recklessly and can only tentatively confirm that it is Aoyagi.

If the Crown Prince does indeed show signs of sending someone back to the Eastern Palace, it will temporarily dispel Lady Xiao's suspicions.

Coincidentally, Xie Jing did indeed send a young eunuch back to the Eastern Palace ahead of time.

This temporarily dispelled Xiao's suspicions.

……

The matter of Mingyi caused some delay, but it didn't completely disrupt things.

At the hour of Wei (1-3 PM), the great hunt temporarily ceased, and the spoils piled up like mountains.

According to regulations, the finest game must be selected and immediately sent to the Imperial Ancestral Temple for sacrifice.

The remaining prey was processed on the spot by the royal chefs.

The aroma of roasted meat filled the air, and Zhou Mingyi could smell it even inside the large tent.

She was craving it terribly, but fortunately, Emperor Qianwu hadn't forgotten her.

Originally, she had already met with Princess Chaoyang and Consort Chen, so Emperor Qianwu wouldn't have asked her to hide it.

But now she is injured and can only stay in the main tent.

However, having already achieved her purpose in coming to Weichang today, Zhou Mingyi was happy to be at ease.

At the hour of Shen (3-5 PM), the imperial carriage returned.

Zhou Mingyi was carried directly into the most luxurious carriage by Emperor Qianwu.

Consort Chen's jealous gaze could practically kill someone.

Sure enough, upon returning to the palace, Princess Chaoyang took Consort Chen directly to the Empress Dowager's palace to file a complaint.

"What? Didn't I tell you to keep that Zhou woman in the palace?"

"How did she end up at the hunting grounds, disguised as a little eunuch?"

The Empress Dowager found it absurd and didn't entirely believe it.

I simply can't believe that anyone would dare to be so audacious.

"Royal Grandmother!"

"Don't you still trust your granddaughter?"

"Would my granddaughter lie to you?"

"That Zhou family member is truly audacious!"

"They completely disregard your words and dare to openly defy the imperial decree!"

"This wasn't just something my granddaughter saw; besides my mother, many noble members of the imperial family saw it too!"

The Empress Dowager's face turned pale and then flushed.

If that's the case, then it's indeed embarrassing.

This Zhou family member is really too unruly!

The Empress Dowager's face darkened. "Very well, I'll go see for myself whether that Zhou woman is truly so audacious!"

The group went to Weiyang Palace in a grand procession.

As soon as they arrived at the palace gate, someone came to inform them.

Zhou Mingyi said to her, "You, quietly go out the back door and go find His Majesty."

The young palace maid immediately nodded.

The Empress Dowager stormed in, and Zhou Mingyi hadn't even had time to change out of her eunuch's clothes.

"Zhou, how dare you! I ordered you to stay in the palace to copy the Diamond Sutra for the Emperor and Princess, and yet you dare to disguise yourself and deceive me and the Emperor. What are your intentions?"

However, when Zhou Mingyi raised her head, the Empress Dowager was stunned for a moment, "You..."

Her face darkened. This Zhou woman was truly despicable; she had even resorted to a self-inflicted injury scheme!

She hasn't even punished her yet! She's already resorting to the sob story. If she really punishes her, she'll definitely go to the emperor to complain!

The Empress Dowager felt she was losing face and her authority was being challenged.

"Grandmother, she got her injuries because she insisted on running into my whip. She deserved it!"

Empress Dowager: ...

No, although the Empress Dowager loved the princess, she was not a fool.

In other words, the injury on Zhou's face was inflicted by Chaoyang?

That's how it should be!

Who told her to openly defy the imperial decree and fool her and the emperor?

They deserve it!

"Zhou, do you know your crime?"

Just then, a shrill voice was heard.

"His Majesty has arrived!"

The Empress Dowager pursed her lips, thinking to herself that this Zhou woman was becoming more and more outrageous!

It was clearly her fault, yet she dared to complain to the emperor!

This is utterly absurd!

Emperor Qianwu strode into the main hall. Just as the Empress Dowager was about to step forward, she saw her eldest son walk past her and head straight for Zhou Mingyi.

Empress Dowager: ...

No, whose son is this?

"How are you? Are you feeling unwell?"

"If you feel unwell, be sure to tell me."

The Empress Dowager couldn't believe it. "What?"

"Your Majesty, are you possessed?"

Emperor Qianwu turned to look at Consort Chen and Princess Chaoyang. "I have already punished you, Consort Chen. Are you dissatisfied?"

"They even encouraged my princess to complain to the Empress Dowager?"

"What are your intentions?"

"Do you really intend for me to strip you of your title as a concubine?"

Consort Chen turned pale with fright. "Your Majesty, please forgive me! I didn't mean that, it's just that Consort Zhou... disobeyed the Empress Dowager's decree, Her Majesty..."

"It was my will. I insisted that she change into eunuch's clothes and go to the hunting grounds with the carriage."

"I cannot live without her."

The Empress Dowager stared in disbelief, her face filled with disbelief.

She knew her own son.

The emperor was heartless; apart from Consort Chen, who was pregnant at the time, he never cared about any other woman.

Wait, pregnant?

The Empress Dowager's eyes instantly became like searchlights.

"emperor……"

Emperor Qianwu didn't look at her. "Guards, escort the princess back to her residence. Consort Chen, for instigating the princess to cause trouble, punish her by confinement. You don't need to concern yourself with palace affairs anymore; just leave them to Consort Zhen and Consort Lan."