Chapter 150 Interrogation

In the following days, when the ministers presented their reports, Ah Qing would first bring them to Shu Yuwan. Then she would review them and then read out the reports that raised doubts and required the Emperor’s decision. This way, the Emperor wouldn’t be too burdened.

Fortunately, since her divorce, Shu Yuwan had developed a strong sense of crisis, always worried about the future and uncertain about how things would unfold. She immersed herself in history books, military texts, casual conversations, travelogues, learning as much as she could, hoping to apply it one day.

After the Emperor’s coronation, he often discussed the reports with her. Now, she wasn’t flustered and could make reasonable judgments on simpler matters based on the Emperor’s past decisions.

However, the news of the assassination attempt couldn’t be kept secret for long, and soon, the courtiers became aware of it.

Prime Minister Fu Jude quickly led the four chief secretaries, along with Wei Guogong, Ning Wang, and Assistant Minister Shu Jin Yi, to the palace to see the Emperor. Despite being unable to rise, the Emperor lay on the couch and, separated by curtains, received them.

“We, your ministers, pay respects to Your Majesty.”

“No need for formalities.”

Seeing the Emperor’s weak condition, Fu Jude expressed his concern, “Your Majesty, you…”

“I’m fine. You don’t need to worry. I just need a few days of rest, and court matters should proceed as usual.”

“Yes!”

The ministers all responded in unison, feeling relieved that the Emperor could still handle state affairs normally, indicating that his condition wasn’t serious.

“Your Majesty, has the assassin been captured?” Ning Wang inquired.

Ah Qing glanced at the Wei Guogong before casually turning away.

The Emperor didn’t say much, simply stating, “The assassin has been captured, but the mastermind behind it has yet to be identified.”

Ning Wang didn’t press further, unsure how someone had discovered the Emperor’s whereabouts and arranged an assassin at the Imperial Awakening Temple.

Not wanting to disturb the Emperor’s rest further, and reassured of his well-being, the courtiers took their leave.

…

Shu Yuwan had been staying in the palace these days, taking care of the Emperor and assisting him in reviewing reports, keeping herself busy.

Seeing her hard work, the Emperor couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. “Yuwan, you’ve worked hard.”

Shu Yuwan smiled, “If I can help you, I don’t feel it’s hard work.”

“Have they found out?” Shu Yuwan asked as Ah Qing hurried in.

“Madam, the young monk at the Temple, if all goes as planned, should be someone arranged by the Virtuous Consort. He was just an ordinary monk in the temple, not highly regarded. However, since Princess Pingkang went to the temple last year, under her influence, he gradually gained prominence and earned the abbot’s trust. When the Emperor went to pay respects to the late Empress Dowager, the abbot was planning to send another monk to guard, but Princess Pingkang intervened and had this young monk take his place.”

In these days, Ah Qing had felt like he was carrying a mountain on his back. Now that there was a resolution, he could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Shu Yuwan exchanged a glance with the Emperor.

The Emperor asked, “Yuwan, what do you think?”

“Your Majesty, I believe Princess Pingkang wouldn’t conspire with the Virtuous Consort to assassinate you.”

Although Shu Yuwan didn’t have a good impression to Wei Wushuang, she didn’t believe the Wei family would betray the Emperor. Even if they didn’t produce an Empress, the Wei family was still the Emperor’s maternal family. Betraying the Emperor wouldn’t benefit the Wei family, regardless of who succeeded to the throne.

The Emperor spoke softly, “Summon Princess Pingkang.”

“Yes.”

Ah Qing hurried to fetch someone.

Since the incident at the Temple, Princess Pingkang had been brought back to the palace and kept under house arrest. It was too coincidental that Wei Wushuang appeared in the room where the late Empress Dowager’s tablet was placed that day.

Shortly after, Ah Qing led Wei Wushuang into the Palace. After being confined in the palace for so long without any news, Wei Wushuang was feeling extremely anxious.

She couldn’t understand how the person she had bribed could attempt to assassinate the Emperor!

She had only wanted to create an opportunity to be alone with her brother, the Emperor, at the Imperial Awakening Temple.

Seeing the Emperor lying weakly on the couch, Wei Wushuang felt extreme heartache and cried, “Brother Emperor, how are you?”

The Emperor calmly replied, “I’m fine, Pingkang, you haven’t greeted the Empress yet.”

Only then did Wei Wushuang’s gaze fall on Shu Yuwan. Seeing Shu Yuwan’s dignified and composed demeanor, she felt a pang of bitterness.

Suppressing her reluctance, Wei Wushuang displayed proper etiquette and respectfully greeted Shu Yuwan, “Your Highness.”

The Emperor nodded in approval.

After a few words, the Emperor began to feel tired and gestured for Shu Yuwan to continue questioning, then lay back down.

Seeing this, Shu Yuwan smiled slightly at Wei Wushuang and said, “Princess Pingkang, there’s no need for excessive formality. You were summoned today to answer why you conspired with the Virtuous Consort to harm the Emperor!”

Upon hearing this, Wei Wushuang felt indignant and hastily replied, “I didn’t! Empress, please don’t falsely accuse me.”

Then she turned to the Emperor, “Brother Emperor, I didn’t do it. How could I harm you?”

The Emperor softly said, “Pingkang, answer the Empress’s questions.”

Frustrated, Wei Wushuang had to say, “Empress, I truly didn’t conspire with the Virtuous Consort or plot against the Emperor. Why would I harm my brother? I’ve been praying for the country at the Temple.”

Shu Yuwan coldly stated, “Then why did Princess Pingkang help an insignificant young monk gain the abbot’s trust and arrange for him to guard the late Empress Dowager’s hall that day? This monk, Nuse, was sent to the Temple by the Virtuous Consort.”

Wei Wushuang couldn’t believe it, “How is that possible?”

After a moment of thought, she realized it was true. Otherwise, how could the young monk attempt to assassinate the Emperor? She had become an accomplice!

Wei Wushuang’s face turned pale. Even if it was unintentional, she feared she wouldn’t escape punishment!

“I, I…”

Wei Wushuang didn’t know what to say. Should she explain that she had bribed the young monk to get close to the Emperor and have an intimate moment with him at the temple, hoping to force him to make her his consort?

Shu Yuwan understood her intentions. After the decree for her and Jin Er marriage had been issued, Wei Wushuang had come to her to make her intentions clear.

But Shu Yuwan didn’t want to confront her about these matters. She wanted Wei Wushuang to explain her intentions to the Emperor herself.

Wei Wushuang’s thoughts were in turmoil. If she didn’t explain clearly, Shu Yuwan might accuse her of attempting to murder the Emperor. But if she did explain, how should she do it?

“I didn’t know the young monk was sent by the Virtuous Consort. I truly didn’t know. I only bribed him to create an opportunity for the Emperor to be alone with me at the Temple.”

Wei Wushuang then boldly continued, addressing the Emperor, “Brother Emperor, I don’t want to be a princess. I just want to be by your side, even if it means being a consort, a concubine, or a noblewoman.”

“In my life, I only want to be a woman by your side, Brother Emperor.”