MCSCPM -Chapter 143 Ruthless Refusal

Inside the Imperial Study, Nangong Lin sat upright on the dragon throne, carefully recalling the words of the diviner.

For centuries, Xize had always been stable and harmonious. Now, under his hands, disaster was about to strike.

Thinking of this, he felt helpless. There was no way he could oppose Heaven itself—Xize might well be destroyed by his own hand.

“Eunuch Li, arrange it for me. I want to speak with the diviner properly,” Nangong Lin said, eyes half-closed. Perhaps there was still hope to resolve this matter.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the eunuch replied.

“Bring Consort De in,” Nangong Lin said coldly. He could not allow Wan Mo to run amok in the palace. With disaster looming, his concern was the plague in Jiangnan. He had no time to waste on Consort De’s schemes.

With a creak, the doors of the Imperial Study opened. Everyone outside stared wide-eyed, but Consort De remained calm and composed.

“Consort De, His Majesty invites you in,” Eunuch Li said with a smile.

Wan Mo trembled slightly as she walked into the study, leaving the attendants outside.

“I pay my respects to the Emperor,” Consort De said lightly, leaning forward slightly to keep her balance.

For a long moment, Nangong Lin said nothing.

“I pay my respects to the Emperor,” she repeated, helplessly.

“Rise,” Nangong Lin said coldly. He did not want to meet her, but rumors in the palace could not be contained. Such gossip would spread throughout the capital. She could throw away her dignity; he could not.

“Your Majesty, I was reckless today, but please hear me out,” Consort De said, slowly straightening her back. Her legs were numb from kneeling for so long.

“Everything may be said… except regarding the Third Prince. That matter need not be mentioned,” Nangong Lin replied, turning away.

He had already given her one chance. If she disappointed him, the consequences would be dire.

“Your Majesty, I knelt outside the Imperial Study for nearly a full day, just to plead for my son’s return. Do you not care for your own flesh and blood?” Soon, tears filled her eyes, and her voice trembled slightly.

“The Jiangnan floods were his responsibility, yet he caused a plague. You want me to bring him back to the capital? Are you not afraid of being ridiculed by the entire world?” Nangong Lin’s brows knitted with anger, his words sharp.

“Your Majesty, I only want my son alive. Please grant him a chance to correct his mistakes,” Consort De immediately knelt again. If it could save her son’s life, she was willing to kneel here indefinitely.

“I have said, I will not agree to your request. Will you defy my decree?”

He did not wish to harm his women. The former Empress had “died” under his hand, and he did not want to wrong Wan Mo—or Nangong chen.

“Your Majesty, can you truly be so heartless?” A flash of resentment crossed her eyes. She had laid her stakes before him; if this could not move his heart, she had no other options.

“Wan Mo, have you thought about the disaster victims?” Nangong Lin’s veins bulged on his forehead as he swept the documents off the table.

The sovereign of Xize, arguing with his consort—how ridiculous.

“I know nothing but that Chen is my son. I must protect him!” she said firmly. This was her last hope. If she gave up now, all would be lost.

“I have already given you a chance. Do not overreach!” Nangong Lin’s patience was gone. This was Xize’s future, not hers alone. Saving Nangong chen meant nothing if the people suffered—without them, Xize would fall.

“What people? You care more about your status than your son! Even if Chen does not return, I will speak!” Her eyes blazed with anger. A mother’s love would not let her remain silent.

“Say it again!” Nangong Lin stepped forward, anger flaring. He wanted a gentle, obedient consort, not a rebellious one.

“Since Your Majesty insists, I will say it clearly, word by word. Chen is your flesh and blood, the Third Prince of Xize. The Jiangnan floods have occurred; if you do not bring him back, he will contract the plague.”

Before Wan Mo could finish, Nangong Lin interrupted: “Beloved, I am not one for indulgence. Mistakes must be borne by those who make them. Today, let’s consider it as if nothing happened. Return to your quarters and rest.” His face was devoid of warmth. This was her final chance; continued defiance would leave him no choice but to be severe.

“Your Majesty, is this how you treat your own son? Even this small request cannot be granted?” Her eyes glistened with tears, slowly swallowed by loneliness and helplessness.

“Guards! Take Consort De out!” Nangong Lin’s brows twitched as he coughed slightly.

“Your Majesty, please calm your anger! Consort De only speaks out of motherly concern,” Eunuch Li quickly knelt.

“I have spoken clearly—do you need me to repeat myself many times? Where have your ears been all these years?”

“Your Majesty, I only ask that you recall Chen from Jiangnan. Just one word from you, and I need nothing else,” Consort De said calmly.

“Say no more! Anyone who defends her will also be dragged out!”

With that, the study fell into a deathly silence.

“Take her away,” the guards moved in immediately, lifting Consort De off the ground.

“Your Majesty, can you really be so cruel?” she stared at Nangong Lin, questioning whether she had bet on the wrong hand.

“I will not consent! Place her under house arrest. She goes nowhere. Otherwise… execute without mercy!” Nangong Lin’s voice was commanding and severe.

Historically, women could not meddle in state affairs. Wan Mo had crossed his line, an insult to him and to Xize itself.

Though Consort De merely requested Nangong chen’s recall, she ignored all other factors. Little did she know that his return could ignite turmoil in the court.

“Your Majesty, why are you so heartless?” she repeated helplessly.

“In the harem, women do not interfere with state affairs,” he said coldly.

Hearing this, her body trembled. She had crossed his bottom line. Not being banished to the Cold Palace was already the maximum tolerance he would grant.

The guards escorted her out. She did not resist, her eyes full of despair.

“Your Majesty… how heartless you are,” she whispered to herself.

Nangong Lin stood by the window, deep in thought. What was more urgent—the plague, or the diviner’s prediction? He could not make a rash decision.

The fate of Xize hung in the balance. He dared not act recklessly. Yet even he could not be certain if his decisions were correct.

The coming trials would test both Xize and Nangong Lin himself.