The princess regretted it.

Chapter 343 The Emperor's Arrangement

"Are you stupid?" Changsun Hongze snorted coldly, his gaze piercing Concubine Cen like a sharp blade. He demanded coldly, word for word, "Then tell me why you summoned these people to your palace tonight, and why, by such a coincidence, you were able to rescue Mingyue at that very moment?"

"Your Majesty, you...are you doubting me?" Concubine Cen trembled, her eyes full of grievance and fear, and she cried, "I would never dare to deceive Your Majesty. To be honest, I have been worried about Mingyue's safety these days. It's as if a huge rock is pressing on my heart, and I feel depressed all day long.

Today, I happened to think of how the New Year is drawing to a close. In previous years, Mingyue would always be there to help me with arrangements for the festival. But now Mingyue's whereabouts are unknown, and whether she's alive or dead remains uncertain. I'm filled with grief and truly don't want to be alone, so I'm thinking of calling my sisters over. A little more company might help me feel less sad.

Concubine Cen paused slightly, raised her tearful eyes, and glanced cautiously at the emperor. Seeing that the emperor's face was still gloomy, she quickly lowered her head and continued, "As for finding Mingyue in Jiaoyu Palace, it was really just a coincidence. At that time, we were discussing it when a maid came to report that the Imperial Guards were in Jiaoyu Palace to investigate the bad guys.

"When I heard this, I was worried about Princess Jiaoyu's safety, as she was Your Majesty's eldest daughter. Secondly, I was also secretly hoping that it might be related to Mingyue. So, I suggested that my sisters go and take a look. Unexpectedly... they actually found Mingyue. Your Majesty, every word I said is true, not a single lie." After saying this, Concubine Cen fell to the ground and wept, her shoulders trembling slightly, looking pitiful.

Seeing Concubine Cen's tearful expression, the Emperor knew that she had been depressed for a long time since the miscarriage. She was completely shrouded in a gloom. She was sensitive by nature and always acted cautiously, striving for perfection in everything.

Whether this incident was intentional or purely coincidental, upon closer reflection, she had a legitimate reason. After all, Mingyue had been her personal maid for many years, and their bond was deep. Her concern for Mingyue's safety and her search for her were understandable, and she certainly couldn't be blamed.

However, the thorny issue was that it involved Princess Jiaoyu, and the entire palace was aware of it, causing widespread rumors and extremely negative consequences. As the emperor, he had to step in and control the situation. Even though he had no intention of blaming Concubine Cen, he had to criticize her indirectly and give her a warning.

He frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, then spoke in a gentler tone, "Get up. I don't mean to be harsh with you. I know you're concerned about Mingyue and eager to find her. Now that the matter has become a big deal and Princess Jiaoyu is involved, there are many suspicious points. I have to treat it with caution."

Upon hearing this, Concubine Cen felt a little relieved. With the help of her maid, she slowly stood up, her brows lowered and her eyes submissive. She said softly, "Your Majesty is very perceptive. I understand your concerns. However, Mingyue has been with me for many years, and we are like sisters. Now that she has suffered this hardship, I am truly heartbroken. I only hope that the truth can be uncovered soon and justice can be done for her."

The Emperor nodded slightly, looking at Mingyue who was still receiving treatment in the inner room, and slowly said, "I will appoint capable people to conduct a thorough investigation of this matter. If Mingyue is indeed the key witness in the arson case, then her situation is extremely dangerous. I am truly worried about her staying in your palace.

I will arrange a secret residence for her and assign elite imperial guards to guard her day and night to ensure her safety. As for you, focus on recuperating and don't worry about these trivial matters."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Upon hearing this, Concubine Cen understood the Emperor's intentions. Perhaps the Emperor still wanted to protect Jiaoyu, which was why he had restrained Mingyue. However, the Emperor's previous words clearly indicated his suspicion of her, and she could not disobey him again.

So she quickly agreed, and then a glimmer of anticipation flashed in her eyes. She asked cautiously, "Then can I arrange for someone close to me to take care of her? Mingyue and I are like sisters. She's going through hardship now, and I'm really worried. Having someone who knows her well by her side to look after her would make me feel more at ease."

"No need!" The Emperor's voice remained calm, yet it carried an undeniable resolve. "I will arrange for someone with superb medical skills, loyalty, and reliability to care for her. Until the truth is revealed, it's best that she avoid excessive contact with others to avoid complications."

"Also," the Emperor's gaze fell upon Concubine Cen once again, his expression instantly becoming exceptionally serious, his eyes revealing a cold majesty. "You must explain today's events clearly to the other concubines, and do not spread them casually. The most taboo in the palace is the wanton spread of rumors. If any further disturbance arises from this matter, no matter who it is, I will not show mercy!"

"I understand, Your Majesty, don't worry. I will definitely control the people around me." Concubine Cen said respectfully, secretly frightened in her heart. She knew very well that the emperor was very sensitive about this matter. If she was not careful, it might bring disaster to herself and even her family.

The emperor nodded slightly, his expression relaxing a little. At this moment, the imperial physician finished his consultation and walked out steadily from the inner room.

He first bowed respectfully to the Emperor and Concubine Cen, then straightened his back and replied solemnly, "Your Majesty, Concubine Cen, Miss Mingyue's injuries are quite serious. She has suffered multiple whip wounds. Although the wounds have been initially treated, she is extremely weak due to excessive blood loss and not eating for many days. She is currently in a coma. In addition, she has suffered a lot of torture and is physically and mentally exhausted. The follow-up care is crucial. Any mistake could endanger her life."

As the imperial physician finished speaking, Concubine Cen staggered, unable to hold back her tears. The emperor listened to the imperial physician's words, then saw Concubine Cen's trembling, wounded and shaky appearance. His brows knitted into a "chuan" shape, a trace of worry flashing in his eyes. "You must do everything you can to heal her. I want her to wake up as soon as possible so that we can uncover the truth."

"Your Majesty!" The imperial physician responded hastily, beads of sweat oozing from his forehead. "Your Majesty will do your utmost, but..." The imperial physician paused, a look of difficulty on his face. "It's just that Miss Mingyue is too weak. The next few days are crucial. Someone must be on guard at all times and closely monitor her condition."

"I will arrange for someone to send her to a designated place shortly." The emperor turned his gaze to the imperial physician, his expression stern and imposing. "You will be solely responsible for her injuries. I will arrange for the caregivers to take care of her. You can rest assured to treat her. If you require any cooperation from them, simply instruct them directly. There is no need to worry. If her injuries recur in the slightest, or if you encounter any difficulties during the diagnosis and treatment, you must report to me immediately without delay."