Chapter 460: Treating Subordinates as Humans

The Imperial Noble Consort clenched her fists, realizing she might have misjudged the situation.

She was drowning in regret.

If only she’d known... she would’ve found another way.

Emperor Behen looked up from his petitions, and as expected, the figure walking in from the sunlight outside was the Crown Princess... with her ten Eastern Palace guard units.

The impressive formation of guards behind her was imposing, but against a real coup, it wouldn’t stand a chance.

Bei Jingchu, clad in black armor and wielding a long spear, stormed in.

Her stern face shifted to confusion upon seeing the scene inside the hall.

The Emperor sat unharmed—no traitor held him hostage.

The Imperial Noble Consort shifted uneasily beside him, while Consort Zhu on the other side stared vacantly.

Given how easily she’d marched in unopposed, this was clearly a trap meant for her.

Bei Jingchu sighed inwardly but maintained a composed expression, carefully controlling every muscle in her face to put on a smile.

"I received the Imperial Noble Consort’s secret letter, hearing that Father was in danger. I had no time to check if it was real, so I rallied every soldier I could to come to your rescue."

"But..." Bei Jingchu's tone turned puzzled.

"It seems there might have been some misunderstanding?"

The Emperor glanced behind her and remarked, "This handful of guards is nothing. If even the Northern and Southern Army guards cannot withstand the threat, bringing more would be like a mantis trying to block a chariot—utterly futile."

Bei Jingchu dropped the spear, its metallic clang echoing as it hit the ground.

She clasped her hands and replied, "I understand. But as a filial child, knowing my father is in peril, why should I fear rushing into flames? I could never simply sit and wait for doom."

The Emperor’s expression softened slightly as he studied her and said, "This time, it was Consort Zhu's good intentions, but she relayed false information, creating this farce and frightening you, Crown Princess."

Consort Zhu, jolted back to reality, wore an awkward expression as she forced a smile.

"Yes, it's all my fault."

"I received the news but couldn't verify its truth, so I hurriedly reported it to the Imperial Noble Consort. Who would have thought the Imperial Noble Consort would directly write to the Crown Princess for help? It was indeed too hasty."

Hearing her still trying to pin the blame on the Imperial Noble Consort, Bei Jingchu's gaze turned icy.

However, no one present cared much for her words—they merely needed a plausible explanation for the innocent and filial Crown Princess.

Thus, the Emperor decreed, "Consort Zhu acted out of goodwill but made a mistake."

"She shall forfeit a year's stipend, return to reflect on her errors, and must not act so rashly in the future."

Consort Zhu's lips trembled, but she dared not utter a word, bowing deeply as she replied, "As you command."

Bei Jingchu gave the shaken guards silver as consolation. Those who weren't even on duty had been abruptly summoned—without compensation, complaints would surely arise.

The secret to loyalty was treating your people like humans.

After dismissing the guards to return to their posts, Bei Jingchu went back to the Eastern Palace, removed her armor, and changed into everyday attire.

However, she encountered an unexpected guest at the gate of the Eastern Palace.

The fifth prince was waiting at the entrance, smiling. As she stepped out, he approached with a grin, clasping his hands in greeting. "Eldest Sister."

Bei Jingchu knew exactly why he had rushed here—just to beg for mercy.

Today, Consort Zhu had sat openly by the emperor's side, acting completely fearless, not even trying to hide it.

It was clear she had been certain Bei Jingchu wouldn’t escape the trap unscathed, leaving her powerless and no longer a threat.

Now that Bei Jingchu had emerged from the scheme unharmed, this man, fearing her retaliation, had come to beg for leniency.