The Duke's Pampered Darling is So Scheming

Chapter 464: Chapter 464: Cabinet

The palace attendants exchanged glances, but no one dared step forward and risk her wrath.

But in truth, Consort Ru knew there was no point in asking now.

The source wasn’t what was important—it was the outcome!

If His Majesty believed these slanderous rumors, Cheng Xuan would truly have no chance of recovery!

She had to find a way to crush this rumor immediately!

But that was easier said than done. How could she possibly manage it?

Cheng Xuan was already branded a criminal. She, who spent her days praying and chanting scriptures, was in no position to comment on the matter.

Her only hope was that His Majesty would not believe the rumors, no matter what.

Normally, Consort Ru wouldn’t be this anxious, because she knew Emperor Muwu very well.

Emperor Muwu might be furious with Cheng Xuan for his mistakes, but he would never believe his son would collude with foreign enemies.

But!

But now, Emperor Muwu was bedridden with a serious illness, his mind clouded. It was the perfect time for others to slander and defame!

If he heard it enough, there was no guarantee Emperor Muwu wouldn’t be swayed!

Worse yet, someone could take advantage of Emperor Muwu’s illness to make a move behind the scenes. It wasn’t out of the question!

”Your Highness, please try not to worry. This is a grave matter. The Prime Minister will surely conduct a thorough investigation and clear the Second Prince’s name!”

Hearing this, Consort Ru finally managed to calm down.

She took a deep breath. ”Go! Find Lanxi at once! Tell her I am unwell and require her to attend to me!”

As a daughter, it was perfectly justifiable for her to care for her ailing mother.

The attendants dared not hesitate and left at once to carry out her order.

It might have been different with others, but Xiao Lansi and Consort Ru were extremely close. Summoning her now wouldn’t arouse anyone’s suspicion.

Consort Ru was helped back to her bed by an attendant. She closed her eyes, and it took a great deal of effort before her racing heart began to settle.

Her mind raced, sifting through all sorts of plans, but none of them could quickly free Xiao Chengxuan from his current predicament.

Finally, Consort Ru gave up and simply waited anxiously for Xiao Lansi to arrive.

’At some point, she had started to see her adopted daughter as her pillar of support.’

’Perhaps Xiao Lansi would have a solution.’

...

Before long, the attendant returned.

Consort Ru’s temper flared, and she was just about to berate the attendant when she saw a familiar figure behind them.

Who else could it be but Xiao Lansi?

Xiao Lansi had rushed over. Despite the cold day, she was covered in a thin layer of sweat.

”Mother!”

She hurried forward and grasped Consort Ru’s hand, her eyes welling with tears.

”I came as soon as I heard what happened to my second brother! Are you alright?”

Of course, Consort Ru was not alright.

Her only son was facing such an accusation—he was only a step away from a death sentence!

With her heart full of pent-up indignation, she gripped Xiao Lansi’s hand tightly. ”Someone wants to destroy him! This is obviously a frame-up! They want him dead!”

As Consort Ru spoke, tears streamed down her face.

”Lanxi, you have to think of something! We can’t just stand by and watch your second brother be destroyed!”

Xiao Lansi wiped away her tears before saying, ”Mother, please don’t be anxious. What good will it do if you make yourself ill with worry? In my opinion, the best thing we can do right now is nothing at all.”

Consort Ru froze. ”Wh-what did you say?”

Xiao Lansi patiently explained, ”I know you’re worried about our second brother, but in this situation, if you go running around trying to plead his case, you’ll only give his enemies more ammunition!”

Consort Ru’s mind was a whirlwind of confusion, and she was speechless for a long moment.

Xiao Lansi took a shallow breath and continued, ”Right now, Ye Chutang is treating His Majesty. All matters of state are being handled jointly by the Eldest Princess and the Cabinet. As for the business with the Jade Pendant... His Majesty probably hasn’t heard a single word about it!”