Chapter 427 (2/2)

Shen Youqing was taken aback . She had never seen a woman that was being brought to the emperor wailing like a ghost . She ordered the servants behind her to pull the other servant girl away, then strode forward in her shoes that was embroidered in golden birds . ”How do you want this consort to save you?”

Ji Man knocked her head against the aground . Although her crying sounded wretched, there weren't actually any tears on her face, so she didn't dare to raise her head . ”This humble woman's heart already has someone . This one wasn't willing to enter the palace . Who knows what kind of outcome awaits me once this one is brought to the emperor . Your Highness, please save me . Please allow this humble woman to leave the palace . ”

Right now, Shen Youqing was in the best position to help her . As long as she b.u.mped into her, she would have a layer of protection .

Sure enough, after hearing Ji Man's words, Shen Youqing's expression improved significantly . ”Your heart already has someone?”

”Not only that, this humble woman was already married once before . Your Highness, you know this . ” Ji Man did her best to pinch the tender flesh of her hand until she finally teared up from the pain . Then, looking very plaintive, she raised her head to look at her . ”This humble woman can only hope that the emperor summoned me out a of a whim . This humble woman is hoping to go home afterwards to care for my child . Consort Shen, you have a benevolent heart, and you're always thinking for the benefit of His Majesty . How about coming along with this humble woman to see His Majesty?”

Shen Youqing pursed her lips and very sympathetically helped Ji Man stand up . ”Based on your words, it's the emperor that's acting inappropriately . Perhaps, he only summoned you to have a chat, but to have you bath in Yushu Palace first . . . That's always been a place that only an empress can go to . Since you requested for this consort to come with you to see the emperor, this consort will come with you . ”

Ji Man quickly thanked her for her kindness . During the rest of the way there, she acted like a timid weakling . Clutching her handkerchief, she quietly murmured, ”Although the marquis had divorced this humble woman, after we spent the past several days in prison together, our fate has reconnected . This one wishes to return to the marquis's estate and continue to serve him . How could a mere woman like me be considered adequate to serve the emperor? It's only a n.o.ble, magnanimous woman like Consort Shen that's worthy of being by the emperor's side . ”

Shen Youqing slightly smiled . ”You're surprisingly sensible . ”

”This humble woman thinks the emperor is just distracted by novelty,” Ji Man said, ”Your Highness, you should persuade His Majesty to look at the big picture . After all, Shen Clan should be rewarded for helping the emperor ascend the throne . You're one of Shen Clan's legitimate daughters and also the emperor's main wife . He should be promoting you to empress . ”

Shen Youqing repeatedly nodded . Nie Sangyu truly knew how to speak well . She had said aloud everything that had been in her own heart . If it wasn't because they were on opposing sides, she really wanted to have a good chat with her .

When they arrived at Zichen Hall, Zhao Zhe was waiting with a heart filled with joy . But, when the doors were opened, he was shocked to see Shen Youqing coming inside with Ji Man .

”Greetings, Your Majesty . ”

”You may rise . ” His expression had sunk considerably . ”Qing-er, why are you here?”

”This humble woman met the consort on the way here . It felt like we've known each other for a long time . We ended up talking all the way to here . ” Ji Man's face already showed no traces of tears . Brightly smiling, she continued, ”Her Highness missed the emperor, so she came here with this humble woman . ”

Zhao Zhe was unhappy . ”This emperor ordered for only you to come here . Do none of the servants understand this emperor's words?”

The palace servants that were originally responsible for leading the way here had already knelt down as soon as they entered the hall . They were trembling with fear and didn't dare to say a word .

Displeased, Shen Youqing retorted, ”Your Majesty, are you saying it's not appropriate for this consort to be here after you summoned Miss Nie to see you?”