Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 2411: No More

Shao Yunduan said, “I have no intention of killing anyone, as long as they don’t seek their own death.”

The Fourth Prince was speechless.

It seemed he had never heard Shao Yunduan speak like this, especially in his presence. The Fourth Prince was taken aback.

He silently mocked himself. Things had certainly changed.

“I hope you keep your word,” the Fourth Prince said, his voice strained.

Supporting the Empress Dowager, the Fourth Prince, along with the empress consorts, trusted ministers, eunuchs, and palace maids, hurriedly left. Their expressions ranged from nervous to terrified, revealing their anxiety.

As they exited the Qianqing Palace, they encountered a large group of generals and soldiers rushing toward them. The soldiers gave them only a cursory glance before continuing on their way, uninterested in their presence.

Behind them, from the Qianqing Palace, came a thunderous cheer: “Greetings to the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!”

The Fourth Prince’s vision darkened, and he nearly collapsed.

The Empress Dowager couldn’t help but sob and mutter curses under her breath.

Heartbroken, the Fourth Prince tried to comfort the Empress Dowager in a low voice. He had already lost his empire; he couldn’t afford to lose his family as well.

The Fourth Prince’s family was temporarily confined to Changchun Palace. Only a few palace maids and eunuchs, who were used to rough work, were assigned to serve them. The trusted servants who had previously attended them were sent to the North Court Palace for house arrest until further arrangements could be made.

The courtiers who had not managed to leave the palace in time were expelled and instructed to return to their homes. Important members of the royal family were monitored closely, while other officials were merely confined to their rooms without interference.

It was no wonder that they were still so agitated and desperate to intervene. They needed to be put in their place first.

Shao Yunduan acknowledged the formalities but kept a firm hold on Qiao Xuan’s hand.

Qiao Xuan initially tried to resist, but soon relented.

Everyone had become accustomed to the Emperor being accompanied by his wife, and it was expected that she would be referred to as Her Majesty. Her presence was not surprising and was seen as a natural part of the Emperor’s affairs.

The close relationship between the Emperor and Her Majesty was considered beneficial and did not cause any harm. Shao Yunduan’s respect for loyalty and righteousness only enhanced his reputation.

With Shao Yunduan having just taken control of half the empire and the capital, he had many urgent matters to attend to. Before he could say much to Qiao Xuan, he was called away.

He managed to quickly instruct, “Be careful and don’t leave the palace. Wait for me!” before departing.

Ding Xiang remained with Qiao Xuan.

Qiao Xuan was not idle either. She needed to make decisions regarding the management of the vast palace. She personally met with stewards and those in important positions to discuss arrangements.

The palace was immense, with numerous residences, including the harem, the imperial garden, and various lower-level palace maids and eunuchs. It was crucial to ensure that no one was hiding and potentially causing trouble. Qiao Xuan asked Yang Mu to lead a team to thoroughly search every area. Any suspicious individuals found would be placed under temporary house arrest in the North Park Palace.

She and Shao Yunduan had agreed to stay at Yangxin Hall rather than Qianqing Palace.

When the late Emperor was still alive, Yangxin Hall had been used as a study. It was simple and somewhat cluttered, with the back hall serving as a storage area. Qiao Xuan and Ding Xiang went there to inspect the space and began renovations to make it more suitable for their needs.