The Tyrant Father's Pampered Daughter Chapter 1084 -: Your Majesty, Don ‘t Hurt Your Phoenix Body From Anger!

After the midday sun began to wane.

Empress Zhong had just emerged from her afternoon slumber. A chief palace maid, who had arrived to attend to her, rushed in from the corridor, her demeanor a picture of distress and haste.

“Your Majesty, grave tidings! The individuals, Guangyun and his cohort, whom you dispatched to Qinghe Hall, have all met their end by His Majesty's decree!”

Empress Zhong, in the process of massaging her temples to fully awaken, felt her heart lurch upon hearing the news. She quickly lifted her gaze, her brow furrowed, and inquired, “What transpired?”

“This servant made inquiries and learned that Guangyun was instructed to administer a medicine to Prince Shen, an action Prince Shen refused. Subsequently, for reasons unclear, Princess Yaoguang and Marquis Yongye, residents of the side hall within Qinghe Hall, intervened in a matter that did not concern them, proceeding to reprimand Guangyun! Word later reached us that His Majesty, alerted by the commotion, proceeded to Qinghe Hall. A swift interrogation followed, and before long, the imperial guards were observed escorting Guangyun away! By the time further reports arrived, Guangyun and the others you had sent were already executed!”

Empress Zhong abruptly rose, her countenance a mask of astonishment and indignation. “Such a thing has occurred? His Majesty has truly disregarded my standing on this occasion?” In previous disputes with Consort Lu, although Ling Tianyin demonstrably favored Consort Lu, he had never shown such overt disrespect to Empress Zhong. Any stern directives were always conveyed discreetly. This time, however, Ling Tianyin's actions were a public humiliation, a direct affront to Empress Zhong's dignity.

Observing the Empress's visibly darkening mood, the palace maid nervously continued, “His Majesty has even issued an edict stipulating that in all future matters concerning Prince Shen, you must first report to him personally before making any decisions.”

Empress Zhong's fury ignited. “My intentions were to safeguard Ling Shen’s well-being. It is one thing for this child to disregard my earnest concern, but why must His Majesty indulge him in such a manner?! Consider the sacrifices I have made for this harem! How can His Majesty be so indifferent to my feelings?!”

Fearful that the Empress's wrath might turn towards her, the palace maid trembled slightly and ventured, “Your Majesty, please do not let anger harm your esteemed person! All of this is undoubtedly the result of Princess Yaoguang and Marquis Yongye’s meddling. Furthermore, whispers in the court suggest Consort Lu is a manipulative consort, who has ensnared His Majesty's affection! They must have orchestrated this, instigating Prince Shen to create such a scene, solely to demonstrate to everyone that His Majesty holds Your Majesty in low regard!”

Empress Zhong’s fingernails dug into her palms, the ornate phoenix hairpin adorning her hair quivering with her suppressed rage. She slowly shut her eyes, drawing several deep breaths, and gradually regained her composure. Empress Zhong understood that if she wished to bring down Consort Lu permanently, succumbing to anger now would be futile. A new strategy was imperative!

Her eyes shifted, scanning her surroundings. “Did His Majesty dispatch anyone to examine the medicine?”

The palace maid pondered for a moment, a puzzled expression on her face, before shaking her head. “This servant did not witness His Majesty summoning an imperial physician to Qinghe Hall. I do not believe the medicine was inspected.”

This was a fortunate turn of events! Empress Zhong let out a sigh of relief. She had secretly arranged for a particular herb to be added to the prescription intended for Ling Shen. This herb possessed the property of inducing persistent fatigue and drowsiness, leading to deep, uninterrupted sleep. While not a poison, if Ling Tianyin had discovered it, the Empress would have found herself in an untenable position.

Empress Zhong pressed her forehead, her voice tinged with a hint of weariness. “If he refuses to take it, so be it. I am not his birth mother, after all. My actions were for his own benefit, yet I am repaid with the perception of being heartless. Consort Lu’s excessive doting has spoiled this child terribly, making him utterly undisciplined. Even at such a tender age, he already knows how to throw tantrums.”

Empress Zhong remarked with a knowing glint in her eye, “Should I have the opportunity to guide him, I am confident I could rectify his undesirable habits.”

The palace maid dared not utter a response for the moment. Empress Zhong leaned back against her chair, the phoenix hairpin upon her head swaying with a disquieting rhythm, casting a shadow over the grim determination that now filled her eyes.