Just before lunch, Prince Jin came to Chuxiu Palace, and the mother and son exchanged information. They discovered that Wei Shu and Ruan Ning were both in Qingqing Palace last night and today. Consort De raised an eyebrow: “What a shameless pair! They must be doing something inappropriate. Let’s catch them in the act!”
Prince Jin was more cautious and advised: “Forget it.”
Father’s health is poor, and the Crown Prince controls everything. Why provoke him?”
“My son, have you forgotten that your father said he would depose him and make you the Crown Prince?” Consort De whispered.
Prince Jin’s expression turned gloomy. The Emperor favored him over Wei Shu, but Wei Shu, born to the Empress as the eldest son, naturally became Crown Prince. The Emperor had spoken of deposing Wei Shu for Prince Jin, but then fell ill, leaving Jin disappointed.
“My son, as long as your father regains consciousness, you’ll have your chance. What fear should you have of the Crown Prince? Once your father wakes, he won’t be a concern,” Consort De urged. “If it emerges that the Crown Prince is having an affair with his concubine mother while pretending to care for the sick, he’ll be ruined! Wait here; I’ll check.”
Consort De rushed over and confirmed her suspicions. She pointed at Ruan Ning, saying, “How shameless! The Emperor is bedridden, and you’re seducing men!”
“Has Consort De gone mad? Spouting such nonsense,” Wei Shu replied darkly, summoning the chief eunuch of the Qingqing Palace. “Escort Consort De back to her palace.”
With the Emperor unlikely to wake and the Crown Prince set to rule, the chief eunuch had no choice but to comply.
He pushed Consort De out, infuriating her to the point of cursing the “dog slaves.”
Wei Shu’s expression was terrible. This Consort De had always been disrespectful, relying on Prince Jin’s favor, and showed no remorse. He turned to Ruan Ning and softly said, “My beloved consort has suffered. I will give you an explanation.”
Ruan Ning said nothing—she just hoped he would stop with these threesome arrangements.
