"Brother Emperor, I am merely idle and with my wedding date approaching, I came to discuss matters of the grand wedding with Consort An," Xue Xingyue said.
She did not want her imperial brother to worry about her any further.
Xue Xingchen heard this, gently patted Xue Xingyue's shoulder, and then raised his head to ask Consort An, "My beloved consort, is what Xingyue says true?"
Just moments ago, Consort An had been contemplating informing the Emperor of the situation for a decision. However, she now felt that informing the Emperor would be an unwise move.
The Emperor did not trust her, nor did he wish to hear her words. Otherwise, why would he ask Princess Xingyue first and not her?
Seeing Consort An remain silent, Xue Xingyue said, "Consort An, you mentioned earlier that you wanted to add some dowry gifts for me?"
Consort An glanced at Xue Xingyue. She was very reluctant to admit it, but she knew she had no choice but to follow Princess Xingyue's lead.
Thinking this, Consort An curtsied and said, "Princess Xingyue, you speak correctly. I do have some fine items that I wish to give as dowry gifts for the princess."
"In that case, this princess thanks Consort An," Xue Xingyue said.
"You are too kind, Princess. You and I are already imperial relatives, and this makes our bond even closer," Consort An replied.
Xue Xingchen released Xue Xingyue's hand and suddenly extended his hand towards Consort An. Consort An immediately understood and quickly offered her hand, helping Xue Xingchen to a seat.
As Xue Xingchen sat there, the flying dragons embroidered on his bright yellow dragon robe appeared particularly dazzling in the bright light. For a moment, Xue Xingyue felt an unprecedented sense of pressure.
"But what I heard is not the same. Consort An, even now, are you still unwilling to tell the truth?" Xue Xingchen's voice suddenly turned ice-cold.
Consort An trembled all over and quickly knelt on the ground, saying, "Your Majesty, I do not understand what you are saying."
"Do not understand? Very well, I shall ask you directly. Did you order someone to take Feng Jiu from the Princess's manor?"
As Xue Xingchen's words fell, Consort An froze, then quickly replied, "Your Majesty, how would I dare to take someone from the Princess's manor at will?"
Xue Xingchen scoffed upon hearing this, "You know it is not permitted to act arbitrarily. Then tell me, is the person confined in the side hall the subordinate of my imperial sister, Feng Jiu?"
Consort An's body stiffened. Even without answering, Xue Xingyue knew that Feng Jiu was being held in the side hall. She exchanged a look with Feng Tian, and Feng Tian immediately understood and quietly, without anyone noticing, departed from there.
At this point, Consort An knew she could no longer hide it. She knelt on the ground and kowtowed to Xue Xingchen, saying, "Your Majesty, Princess Xingyue's subordinate Feng Jiu assaulted the heir. I was also extremely angered, which is why I ordered someone to bring Feng Jiu from the Princess's manor. I implore Your Majesty to do justice for the heir."
Xue Xingchen heard this, ignored Consort An, and instead looked at Xue Xingyue, saying, "Imperial sister, such a major incident has occurred, why did you not inform your imperial brother?"
Xue Xingyue narrowed her gaze, then knelt on one knee and said, "Imperial brother, you toil day and night over state affairs. I did not wish to trouble you further with these minor matters."
"Yes, you did not wish to trouble your imperial brother, but there are some who wish to uproot everyone around you. Consort An, tell me, am I correct?" Xue Xingchen roared, slamming the armrest in anger.
Consort An quickly begged for mercy, "Your Majesty, please forgive me. I absolutely had no such intention. It was merely that Princess Xingyue's subordinate assaulted the heir first, which is why I ordered Feng Jiu to be taken away!"
"Consort An, even now you are still quibbling. I see you have grown accustomed to wielding power in the harem and have extended your reach to the court," Xue Xingchen said angrily.
"Your Majesty, I truly did not... Your Majesty..." Consort An pleaded.
"Guards, Consort An's conduct is improper, and she is incapable of leading the Six Palaces. Reclaim her phoenix seal and confine her for one month," Xue Xingchen said coldly.
Xue Xingyue frowned slightly upon hearing this and was about to step forward to dissuade her imperial brother when Eunuch Wei beside her shook his head, signaling her not to interfere.
Seeing this, Xue Xingyue withdrew her intention to speak.
Xue Xingchen did not stop there. He continued, "The heir of the Duke of Ning, Meng Jiangming, has behaved erratically and repeatedly failed to mend his ways. He is hereby stripped of his title as heir."
Xue Xingyue had thought her imperial brother would only punish Consort An, but she had not expected Meng Jiangming to be punished as well.
After speaking, Xue Xingchen looked at Consort An and said, "I hope that during this month, you can reflect properly and refrain from doing any more pointless things."
With that, he walked up to Xue Xingyue and said, "Xingyue, accompany me for a walk!"
Xue Xingyue nodded, "Alright." It so happened that she had many things she wanted to ask her imperial brother.
The moment they left Jiahe Palace, she couldn't help but look back. What she saw was Consort An's gaze, filled with extreme anger and unwillingness, so sinister and chilling.
She knew that she and Consort An could never reconcile.
After leaving Anhe Palace, Xue Xingchen finally couldn't help but cough lightly. Xue Xingyue stepped forward to support Xue Xingchen, but he refused. Even though his movements were quick, they couldn't escape her eyes.
Her imperial brother was hiding the handkerchief he had coughed out.
Thinking of this, Xue Xingyue felt immense pain.
"Xingyue, do you not understand my actions?" Xue Xingchen turned to look at Xue Xingyue.
"Everything Imperial Brother does is for my own good. I understand," Xue Xingyue said.
Xue Xingchen sighed at this. He reached out and took her hand, saying softly, "Xingyue, it is your imperial brother who has wronged you."
"Imperial brother, you must never say such things," Xue Xingyue quickly stopped him.
Xue Xingchen shook his head, "This is what your imperial brother owes you."
"No, Imperial brother, you owe me nothing, absolutely nothing. If it weren't for me back then, you wouldn't have carried me through the snow for a day and a night. Your health has not been good since then. It is my fault," Xue Xingyue lowered her gaze. If it weren't for her back then, her imperial brother wouldn't be in such a frail condition now. It was all her fault.
Xue Xingchen's pale complexion softened considerably at her words. A slight smile curved his lips, adding a touch of color to his face. "Xingyue, look at what you're saying. You are my imperial sister, my only family. If I don't protect you, who else will?"
Xue Xingyue trembled all over at his words and lowered her head, biting her lower lip.
Seeing this, Xue Xingchen gently stopped her from biting her lip with his finger and said softly, "Xingyue, you're still like when you were little, biting your lower lip when something bothers you. Xingyue, I am your imperial brother. I hope you can tell me whatever happens, and I can protect you and keep you safe."
Tears welled up in her eyes, and Xue Xingyue nodded, "Imperial brother, but I wish for you to be well."
Xue Xingchen sighed slightly, "But your imperial brother has not done well. Not only have I found you an unsuitable marriage, but I have even..."
Xue Xingchen couldn't help but cough a few more times. This time, he could no longer hide it and spat out a mouthful of blood.
Xue Xingyue exclaimed in alarm, "Imperial physician, go find an imperial physician!"