MCSCPM -Chapter 146 I Will Handle It

In the Imperial Study, Nangong Lin frowned deeply.

He had not slept all night, worrying about the plague in Jiangnan.

“Your Majesty, the Captain of the Guards requests an audience. He says there is an urgent matter to report,” Li Gong entered, bowing respectfully.

“Let him in.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Nangong Lin squinted, deep in thought. Could something bad have happened again?

“I pay my respects, Your Majesty.”

On his way to the study, the Captain of the Guards had sensed something was wrong. The rumor about the Empress fainting had come from outside the palace. Whether true or false, it was definitely suspicious.

“What is it? Speak quickly.” Nangong Lin was ready—no matter how bad, he could accept it. As the ruler, he had to ensure the safety of his people and the prosperity of Xize.

“Your Majesty, today I went to inspect, and found that the entire capital is spreading a certain rumor,” the Captain said, his voice trembling, avoiding the Emperor’s gaze.

This was yet another problem for the Emperor. Mishandled, who knew how he might react?

Nangong Lin approached the Captain and said coldly, “What matter?”

“The people outside the palace are spreading a rumor that the Empress’s fainting is false.”

“What did you say?” Nangong Lin’s eyes widened in disbelief, staring at the Captain.

With the flood in Jiangnan, and now rumors—falsely claiming the Empress’s fainting…

“Your Majesty, this is true. Initially I thought it was merely a rumor, but I have already sent people to investigate. Now, the entire capital is discussing it,” the Captain said, wiping sweat from his brow, clearly worried.

“Have you verified who started it?” Nangong Lin squinted, lips pursed. The complications were growing.

“Your Majesty, it cannot be traced. Everyone says they heard it from someone else. No one knows the original source. It started outside the palace and has now spread inside.”

Nangong Lin frowned slightly. He knew rumors were difficult to trace. Since it spread outside, someone must be deliberately stirring trouble; otherwise, it wouldn’t have spread so fast.

He restrained his anger. Even being upset now would not help. Rumors spread like wildfire—only by uncovering the truth could they be stopped.

“Your Majesty, many people are talking about this now.”

Nangong Lin remained silent for a long moment. The flood in Jiangnan had already left him exhausted. The Empress fainting had pained him, and now hearing that her fainting was fake… was someone mocking him?

Seeing the Emperor silent, the Captain could not help asking, “Your Majesty, what shall we do?”

“This matter is entrusted to you. Even if it involves the entire capital, you must find who spread this rumor. If you catch them, bring them to me,” Nangong Lin said, every word brimming with authority.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” The Captain bowed and left immediately.

“Li Gong, you may leave. I wish to be alone for a while,” Nangong Lin said, closing his eyes.

He just wanted some quiet. These matters had troubled him for too long. Even thinking desperately, no solution came to mind. Yet he placed his hope in the arcane arts.

In the palace, rumors were slowly consuming people’s minds.

Meanwhile, at Consort De’s quarters, all was calm.

Bang! Bang!

A series of knocks came from outside the window.

Consort De immediately became alert. At this hour, no one should come except her maid. Yet it was not night, and the maid wouldn’t visit at this time.

She remained still. If it were a trap, no one would save her. But the sounds outside grew louder, as if something was trying to break through the window.

Listening carefully, she realized the sounds were not human—they were birds.

When she opened the window, a snow-white dove appeared.

Consort De’s face lit up. The dove was from her backyard. This meant her message had reached her father.

She took a slip of paper from the dove’s leg. The handwriting was unmistakably her father’s:

“Mo’er, be cautious in the palace. This is all I can do for you.”

Tears streamed down her face. She had always kept in touch with her family but had tried not to trouble her father. Now, it was unavoidable.

Consort De quickly wiped her tears. She had to be strong. What awaited her was an unfinished battle—and it was only beginning.

“Consort De, I’ve brought your meal,” her maid arrived at the door, likely carrying a message.

“Wait a moment. Let the guards check it first, to ensure it’s safe,” the guards said with a smile. They had heard the earlier noises but did not investigate; perhaps Consort De was secretly communicating, and the food might be tampered with.

“Please open the door first. It’s not good for the Consort to starve,” the maid said, slipping some silver into their hands.

“Go in, don’t delay,” the guards said, attitude changing once they saw the silver.

“Coming right away.”

Silver could move mountains—this the maid knew. As long as the guards’ appetites were satisfied, nothing was impossible.

“Your Majesty, this is food from the Imperial Kitchen,” the maid said, placing it down, a faint smile on her lips. Outside, the guards were still present, so she had to be cautious.

“Everything has been arranged. Any further instructions, Your Majesty?” The maid kept glancing outside. She had come here with difficulty and had to be careful.

“I have received the letter. Everything is proceeding smoothly. Now, as rumors spread, both inside and outside the palace, people’s minds will be unsettled,” Consort De said, a faint gleam of joy on her face that quickly disappeared.

“Your Majesty, stay here for now. In a few days, once the Emperor’s anger subsides, perhaps you will be allowed out,” the maid said. Since Consort De was under house arrest, it benefited no one outside. For now, only when Consort De was free could things proceed smoothly.

“By the way, I’ve heard palace people talking, saying the Empress’s fainting is fake. This rumor… concerns you, Your Majesty?” The maid asked nervously.

“This matter, I will handle myself,” Consort De said with a smile, her eyes shining.

“Go now. Don’t arouse suspicion.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Once the maid left, Consort De released the white dove.

At this critical moment, she could trust no one. One wrong move, and the Wan family would be ruined.

“He Minmin, just wait. When your fake fainting is exposed, let’s see how proud you can still be. My son is in danger, and I will not let your son off easily.”

In the Imperial Study, Li Gong opened the windows to let in fresh air, perhaps better for the Emperor’s health.

“Your Majesty, are you alright?”

Nangong Lin stared at the window for a long time. Without Li Gong’s reminder, he wouldn’t have realized how long he’d been staring.

“What time is it now?” Nangong Lin asked wearily. These matters had troubled him endlessly. For now, only the diviner could help.

“It is noon, Your Majesty.”

“Send my decree: the diviner must be in the Imperial Study first thing tomorrow. I want to see him,” Nangong Lin said, frowning.

“But Your Majesty, the diviner cannot arrive so quickly!” Li Gong said with difficulty.

A few days ago, the Emperor had already sent for him to return to the capital. He was still on the road. Even if he rode his fastest, he would arrive only tomorrow evening at the earliest.

“I cannot wait that long. If I do not see him tomorrow, bring his head to me,” Nangong Lin’s eyes burned with anger. The plague would not wait. If delayed, the people of Jiangnan would perish.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Li Gong hurried out. The Emperor had decreed tomorrow; perhaps the diviner could still make it in time.