NOVPUBThe Emperor looked at Consort Jia with disgust. Overcome with anger, he kicked her hard.
“If it weren’t for your father’s sake, you would have died countless times by now.”
“Guards! Demote Consort Jia to a commoner and confine her to the Cold Palace. She is never to be released without my permission!”
The Emperor was truly furious. Even Xu Zening had never seen the Emperor so out of control.
Xu Liangeng stepped forward and gently supported him. “Father, calm down. Don’t let such people harm your health.”
An’er, who had been giggling, was frightened by the commotion and started to cry loudly. 𝑛𝘰𝘷𝑝𝘶𝑏.𝑐𝘰𝘮
The Emperor, though initially joyful at having a child in his old age, now felt a surge of shame at the sound.
He looked at An’er, pondered for a moment, and was about to speak. “Guards.”
Xu Zening suddenly stepped forward. “Father, the National Preceptor once said that the dragon’s descendants are crucial to our dynasty’s fate and should not be treated lightly. I suggest conducting a blood test to verify parentage first.”
The Emperor, filled with anger, felt a bit calmer upon hearing Xu Zening’s rational suggestion.
Even Shen Roujia was slightly moved by this.
Why is this person, who usually tells others not to meddle, now acting so compassionate?
The Emperor nodded, and Xu Zening turned to instruct Gao Huaichang to make the arrangements.
During this moment, Shen Roujia quietly approached and asked curiously, “Are you getting involved now?”
Xu Zening’s expression remained unchanged as he replied indifferently, “The child is innocent.”
Shen Roujia was taken aback and instinctively glanced at Xu Zening’s profile. It turns out, he understood everything…
Gao Huaichang acted quickly, soon standing in the center with the necessary items.
Xu Zening looked at the Emperor. “Your Majesty, please start.”
The Emperor did not hesitate, eager to resolve the matter quickly.
A drop of his blood fell into a silver bowl.
Xu Zening had someone bring An’er forward, and amidst his uneasy cries, a drop of his blood was also added to the bowl.
Everyone held their breath, craning their necks to see the bowl.
Shen Roujia mockingly observed the surroundings. No one paid attention to the child’s cries; everyone was concerned about their own fate.
The result was unexpected.
Even Consort Jia hadn’t expected the two drops of blood to merge so seamlessly.
But it was too late to say anything now. The issue with Li Yong was real, even if the child’s identity was surprising.
Consort Jia began to wail uncontrollably. “Your Majesty, I know I was wrong! Please spare An’er. He is your child!”
Li Yong stood frozen, looking to Consort Shu for help.
Consort Shu turned away, refusing to look at him.
Xu Zening turned to Shen Roujia and whispered, “Let’s go back.”
It was just another farce. Shen Roujia nodded, feeling strangely uneasy as she glanced at the child.
As Shen Roujia glanced at Gao Huaichang out of the corner of her eye, she noticed some white powder on his hands.
Instinctively, she looked at Xu Zening but remained silent.
Gao Huaichang soon caught up with them.
“Your Highness, allow me.”
Shen Roujia stepped aside, letting Gao Huaichang take hold of the wheelchair.
Shen Roujia paused, suddenly seeing Xu Zening in a new light.
Once they left the Hall of Eternal Celebration, she spoke abruptly, “Did you add alum to the water?”
