Chapter 217 Consort Li’s Strange Gaze at the Crown Prince

Chapter 217 Consort Li Gives the Crown Prince an Odd Look

Luo Qianxue quickly chimed in, "My mother is right. Now the entire capital knows that Princess Ye went out alone to meet Fifth Imperial Brother, was knocked out by eight black-clad assassins and taken away. At that time, she was already unconscious. Only those assassins know what really happened."

"What's the point if only we believe her? Others don't, and neither do the commoners out there. Shouldn't she clear her name by throwing proof in the rumor-mongers' faces?"

Ji Yuntang laughed in anger.

Were Consort Li and her daughter playing double act?

By saying this, weren't they clearly saying they didn't believe her and wanted her to undergo a public virginity test?

Ji Yuntang sneered inwardly. Consort Li and Luo Qianxue claimed to be concerned about her reputation, but only they knew the dirty tricks they were hiding.

Before Ji Yuntang could speak, Luo Qingge exploded in anger.

"No! Third Sister-in-law is, after all, Third Imperial Brother's lawfully wedded Princess Ye. How can she undergo a virginity test just because the commoners don't believe her? What do you take her for?"

A virginity test is deeply disrespectful to women.

Usually it's only done when someone's caught in the act of adultery. But even if the person hasn't committed adultery, once it's done, her reputation is always tarnished to some degree.

Luo Qianxue and Consort Li were clearly ganging up on Ji Yuntang.

Luo Qingge was furious, as were the Empress, Xie Liuzheng, and Luo Sinian.

The Empress trusted Ji Yuntang, knowing that with her abilities, she wouldn't let some thugs get the best of her, let alone lose her chastity.

Xie Liuzheng and Luo Sinian had witnessed everything firsthand and knew the so-called eight assassins were completely made up by Ji Yuntang and never existed.

She couldn't have been violated.

Xie Liuzheng and Luo Sinian were furious, but they understood that they couldn't explain this at all. If they explained, the lie Ji Yuntang fabricated would collapse, and everything they'd done would be wasted.

The matter of Luo Feizhou being beaten would again be attributed to Ji Yuntang.

They were completely frustrated.

Luo Jingshen had been framed and unjustly punished by Emperor Jingyang, which left him in a foul mood. Seeing an opportunity to embarrass Ji Yuntang, he stepped forward without hesitation and said,

"The innocent have nothing to hide. Since Princess Ye hasn't done anything, why should she be afraid? It's just having a palace matron examine her; it won't cost her life. I think Consort Li and the Tenth Princess's suggestion is quite good."

Consort Li was both surprised and slightly shocked to see Luo Jingshen voluntarily support them.

To avoid suspicion, she rarely interacted with Luo Jingshen, mostly just glancing at him from afar.

Unexpectedly, he now opposed the Empress and Luo Qingge, taking their side.

Consort Li was secretly pleased.

At this moment, the more she looked at Luo Jingshen, the more satisfied she felt. Her gaze involuntarily softened, like sunlight spilling over a lake, gentle and tender.

This scene happened to catch Emperor Jingyang's eye. His face stiffened, and he felt deeply displeased.

He had been showering Consort Li with attention recently, but she had never looked at him like that.

No matter how he tried to please her, Consort Li always appeared fearful and evasive, as if he were some kind of monster.

Previously, Emperor Jingyang thought it was because he was too impatient and she wasn't ready to accept him.

But now looking back, it wasn't that she wasn't ready; she was deliberately avoiding him.

Emperor Jingyang's expression turned grim. He reached out to Consort Li and said coldly, "Beloved Consort, come to me."

Consort Li's body stiffened involuntarily. Her first thought was, "Is this damned emperor trying to make me a target again?"

Little did she know, Emperor Jingyang thought her gaze was meant for Luo Jingshen.

Luo Jingshen was also bewildered by Consort Li's tender look. He felt that if Emperor Jingyang didn't call her away soon, he might have to leave himself.

He loved beautiful women, but he never thought of touching his father's concubine.

Not to mention, Consort Li was old enough to be his mother.

Reluctantly, Consort Li walked to Emperor Jingyang's side, placed her hand in his, and forced a smile.

"Your Majesty, you must be thirsty after all this busy work, right?"

"Let me pour you some tea."

Emperor Jingyang didn't object. Consort Li smoothly withdrew her hand from his and turned to pour tea for him.

Emperor Jingyang's gaze kept shifting between Luo Jingshen and Consort Li, trying to discern if there was something between them.

Throughout history, it wasn't uncommon for princes to fall for palace concubines, especially since Consort Li was so beautiful.

He wasn't a tyrant, but on this matter, he was suspicious.

Consort Li finally realized something was wrong. Emperor Jingyang's eyes seemed to bore holes into her and Luo Jingshen.

Her hand trembled as she held the teacup, knowing she had to take drastic measures now.

She quickly handed the teacup over, leaned close to Emperor Jingyang, and spoke softly with sultry eyes.

"Your Majesty, I know you love cold clam soup the most. I happen to have a fresh batch of clams in my palace today. I’ll cook it myself tonight. Would Your Majesty like to visit my Weiyang Palace tonight and taste my cooking?"

Emperor Jingyang was momentarily stunned. Did Consort Li know his preferences?

He looked down and met her tender, watery eyes, the softness almost tangible.

Even softer and more docile than when she looked at Luo Jingshen.

Emperor Jingyang's heart softened instantly. He doubted himself again.

Had he overthought things again?

Perhaps Consort Li was naturally gentle. Even when looking at a stray dog or cat on the street, her gaze was just as soft.

There was probably nothing between her and Luo Jingshen.

A beauty's first invitation was hard to refuse. Emperor Jingyang laughed heartily and patted Consort Li's hand.

"Alright, I accept!"

Consort Li gave a coy smile but was inwardly furious.

This damned emperor's intuition was alarmingly sharp. She would have to be more careful in the future to avoid being caught by him.

Suddenly remembering something, Consort Li turned to glance at Ji Yuntang, then cast a tender look at Emperor Jingyang.

"Your Majesty, about Princess Ye's virginity test..."

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