The Crown Prince, despite his unwillingness, couldn’t do anything at this moment. He could only watch as the nearby Imperial Forest Army came up, swiftly apprehending all of his close aides, then ruthlessly twist his arms behind him, about to drag him outside.

The Crown Prince could only manage to shout: "Wait a moment!"

The Second Prince sneered at the Crown Prince with disdain. This fool, even now, still refuses to admit defeat? In front of so many people, since his brother is both foolish and cruel, he might as well show some generosity.

Thus, he merely raised his hand: "Let him speak."

The Crown Prince stared at the Second Prince for a while before saying: "You’re right, a bet is a bet! I was outmatched and ended up like this, I can’t blame anyone else! I have only one request: for today’s incident, let me take the responsibility alone. My eldest sister-in-law and several nephews are innocent; they were implicated because of me! I ask for nothing else, only that you spare them—"

The Second Prince didn’t expect the Crown Prince to plead for his wife and children, was taken aback, and hadn’t had time to respond.

Beside them, Consort Shu was frightened and panicked by the reversal of fortunes, knowing her side was now powerless to change fate.

But upon hearing the Crown Prince’s words, she was filled with resentment, thinking that the Crown Prince at least called her "Mother Consort." Although she hadn’t cared for him much over the years, wasn’t it because of her that he hadn’t been mistreated in the palace?

If not, wouldn’t a Prince without a mother be like a wildflower, trampled by anyone without protection?

Having safeguarded him through his growth all these years, with the whole family supporting him, he proved useless, and when he failed, of all things, he first protected his wife and children, completely forgetting his Mother Consort!

If you are heartless, don’t blame me for being unjust!

Gritting her teeth, Consort Shu wiped her tears and suddenly knelt before Consort Xian, clutching her skirts and weeping mournfully, "Consort Xian, elder sister, I am wronged too! I live isolated in the palace, you know, the Crown Prince does not often visit me; we meet hardly during holidays. How would I know about his doings outside?"

"Heavens have mercy! Had I known he harbored such treacherous thoughts, I would have risked my life to thwart him! Consort Xian, sister, think about it, I am merely his foster mother; even if he succeeded, what benefit would it bring me? Sister, I am truly innocent! You know me best, sister, you must testify for me!"

"Consort Xian, I am timid by nature and dare not meddle in these affairs! Please explain to the Second Prince on my behalf, the sister’s great kindness, I will never forget!"

Consort Shu sobbed with snot and tears, appearing very pitiful.

She and the Crown Prince were only foster mother and foster son; when the Emperor ordered her to raise him, he already had memories, and their relationship was ordinary.

Her heart was set on having her own child, with little desire to care for another woman’s son; she merely adhered to etiquette, ensuring the Crown Prince’s belongings were kept safe and not allowing subordinates to bully him.

Only in recent years, as the Crown Prince grew up, and she failed to bear children, did she think to mend relations with her foster son, but it was ultimately superficial.

It was a suggestion from Consort Shu’s maternal family that led her niece to marry the Crown Prince, binding the two together.

However, the Crown Prince disagreed, and the Emperor appointed a Princess Consort, so ultimately Consort Shu’s niece could only become a Side Consort in the Crown Prince’s residence, which strengthened their relationship somewhat.

This time, the Crown Prince’s coup naturally had considerable support from Consort Shu’s maternal family, and within the palace, Consort Shu also provided much convenience; otherwise, how could the Crown Prince’s men have entered the palace so easily?

Originally, the Crown Prince’s side wanted Consort Shu to persuade Consort Xian’s faction; fortunately, she maintained her status, always cautious in the palace, merely hinting a few words. Consort Xian, being a clever woman, neither said anything substantial, but both understood the implication.

Now her denial wasn’t completely unreasonable.

Consort Shu and her family’s previous plan was to support the Crown Prince in ascending the throne; once he was in power, as his foster mother, based on their support, becoming the Empress Dowager shouldn’t be a problem.

Then, in the Crown Prince’s harem, Consort Shu’s niece getting a Noble Consort title seemed plausible, and with an Empress Dowager’s support, after giving birth to a Prince, she might even advance to Empress.

Even if not, having a Prince from the family ensures prosperity for generations.

No one anticipated the Crown Prince’s defeat while the ever-following Second Prince became more promising.

Consort Shu quickly realized she was likely deceived by Consort Xian and the Second Prince, blinded by their usual displays, used as a tool by them.

Though internally furious, long steeped in palace intrigues, she decisively made a public display of submission to Consort Xian.

She and Consort Xian were old rivals for years; despite recent cooperation, knowing Consort Xian’s true nature, the "Virtuous" title notwithstanding, she was petty, loving to see others grovel before her, the higher their status, the more delighted she became.

Facing matters of life and death, Consort Shu disregarded her pride, striving only to survive, thus lowered herself to the utmost.

Sure enough, Consort Xian, seeing her longtime foe kneel at her feet, found such joy akin to sipping cold water on a hot summer day.

Within this palace, the Former Empress as the Emperor’s original match was beyond comparison.

Today’s Empress, a second-comer, favored by the Emperor, was someone she had to respect.

Noble Consort and Consort Shu were legendary figures from the Emperor’s time as a prince, Noble Consort, with only a daughter, too old to compete for favor.

Only Consort Shu, though aged and childless, tirelessly contended for favor against the new arrivals.

When Consort Xian entered the palace, Consort Shu was still favored; at that time her rank wasn’t high, she often suffered slights from Consort Shu.

It was only after birthing the Second Prince and securing her footing that things improved.

Their rivalry over favor included making voodoo dolls to curse each other in palace life, only mellowing as they aged, with few of the old guard remaining, bringing an outward peace.

In truth, the grudges persisted within.

Seeing Consort Shu humbled, even if for survival, Consort Xian felt truly satisfied.

Considered leaving Consort Shu alive posed no major risk; what could a lone woman manage within the palace?

Keeping her alive, watching her demur daily, seeking favor, provided real comfort.

Thus, she smiled, extending a hand to help Consort Shu up: "Sister, please rise, I understand your character well! It seems you were misled by the Crown Prince! Don’t worry, the Second Prince is not one to misjudge; he certainly won’t wrong you!" 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Consort Shu, assured of her safety, politely thanked Consort Xian and the Second Prince before respectfully standing behind Consort Xian, showing her allegiance.

Such demeanor caused several nearby consorts to glance over, shocked at how senseless Consort Shu had appeared in her struggle for safety.

Some even glanced up at the Empress, pondering whether Consort Xian had presumptuously considered herself the master of the harem?