Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 1180 - 171: Collaborating with the Xie Family—A Calculated Move from the Start (Part 2)

Previously, the ghosts were only seen at night. Later, they appeared even in the daytime.

After Empress Xie saw the ghosts every day, she became more and more deranged, and the nonsense she uttered became increasingly terrifying. In her madness, she detailed how she killed Xie Wan, the former Empress. Not only that, she confessed to many things she had done in the past.

When it was discovered that the former Empress was killed by the joint efforts of the Old Duchess of Duke Zhen and Empress Xie, it caused a great uproar in both the previous dynasty and the harem.

The former Empress was a virtuous one, respected by ministers in the court, concubines in the harem, and even the common people. When she passed away back then, ministers, concubines, and the populace were all heartbroken—one could say the entire country mourned.

Now, learning that the former Empress was killed by her own stepmother and biological sister, how can the ministers, concubines, and people accept this?

The Emperor immediately ordered a thorough investigation, and soon the results matched Empress Xie’s confession. In a fury, the Emperor ordered Empress Xie’s deposition.

The ministers did not oppose the Emperor’s decision. In fact, before the Emperor deposed her, the ministers had already suggested he remove Empress Xie from her position.

Subsequently, some ministers reported the Duke Zhen Country Mansion, urging the Emperor to thoroughly investigate them.

The Emperor decreed for Prince Wei and the Imperial Court of Judicial Review to investigate the Duke Zhen Country Mansion.

Prince Wei and the Imperial Court of Judicial Review acted swiftly, uncovering numerous wrongdoings by the Duke Zhen Country Mansion within three days. At this point, another minister reported Prince Jing. The Emperor then ordered Prince Wei and the Imperial Court of Judicial Review to investigate Prince Jing, and indeed, they discovered numerous issues.

The Duke Zhen Country Mansion’s title was revoked, and members of the Xie family involved in crimes were punished accordingly—those who deserved to be beheaded were beheaded, those who needed to be exiled were exiled, and those who had to be imprisoned were imprisoned. Although Prince Jing committed numerous crimes, they did not warrant death, so he was demoted to Commandery Prince and returned to his fief.

The Emperor did not demote Prince Jing to a commoner on account of Empress Xie and the gratitude for the Xie family’s assistance in the past.

Prince Jing returned safely to his fief without encountering mishaps on the journey back.

Empress Xie, no longer an Empress, Xie Yi was cast into the Cold Palace. The Emperor did not kill her. Directly ordering her to take poison, offering a white silk cord, or a dagger would be too merciful. Allowing her to live in madness was the best punishment.

In reality, Xie Yi wasn’t mad all day; she occasionally regained her senses.

On this day, Noble Princess Consort Ying, accompanied by a palace maid, visited the deranged Xie Yi in the Cold Palace.

At this moment, Xie Yi was clear-headed. Seeing Noble Princess Consort Ying, her expression was very calm, which was contrary to what Noble Princess Consort Ying had expected. She thought Xie Yi would see her and become furious, yelling and screaming like a madwoman.

Noble Princess Consort Ying bowed to Xie Yi, "Greetings to the Empress."

Xie Yi let out a snort of laughter, "You’re deliberately trying to provoke me."

Upon hearing this, Noble Princess Consort Ying was slightly taken aback, then smiled warmly, "I didn’t expect you to see right through it." She then meticulously examined Xie Yi from head to toe, "You seem pretty lucid now, not mad at all."

Even though Xie Yi was in the Cold Palace, residing in a rundown room, her hair was neatly combed, her face clean, and her clothes unwrinkled. She sat with her back straight, slightly lifting her chin, looking at Noble Princess Consort Ying with arrogant indifference, saying nothing.

Noble Princess Consort Ying hadn’t anticipated Xie Yi, reduced to her current state, could still be so proud. Even now, she remembered to maintain the airs of a noblewoman.

"How are you getting on living in the Cold Palace? Are you still afraid the former Empress will come for you?"

At the mention of "former Empress," a trace of loathing crossed Xie Yi’s face.

"I’m waiting for her to come and claim my life."

Not seeing any fear on Xie Yi’s face, Noble Princess Consort Ying found it somewhat dull.

"I find the current you seems a bit smarter than you used to be." She had thought that after being put in the Cold Palace, Xie Yi would become more deranged, but instead, she had become more composed.

Xie Yi gazed directly at Noble Princess Consort Ying, her eyes sharp, "Who are you really?"

Noble Princess Consort Ying hadn’t expected Xie Yi to ask her this question. She paused, then smiled as she replied, "I am Noble Princess Consort Ying."

"Without a family background, and neither sons nor daughters, just bearing a face resembling that woman’s, it’s unlikely you could stay favored for so long." Initially, when the Emperor brought Noble Princess Consort Ying back to the palace, everyone thought it was impossible for her to maintain favor; the Emperor would eventually tire of her. Yet, over the years, she consistently ruled the harem, even overshadowing Noble Princess Consort Rong for several years.