MY PRINCE HUSBAND HAS SEVEN WIVES AND I AM HIS FAVOURITE!
Chapter 47: Possibility of betrayal

Chapter 47: Possibility of betrayal

The night in the imperial palace was tranquil, the only sound the soft whistle of the winter wind brushing against the tall walls. Inside the Emperor’s grand chamber, the faint glow of a single lantern illuminated the sleeping figures of the Emperor and Empress.

The peace was abruptly shattered by hurried footsteps echoing down the corridor.

The Emperor stirred, his sharp senses picking up on the unusual noise. Before he could fully rise, a knock thundered at the door.

"Your Majesty! Forgive the intrusion, but an urgent matter requires your attention!"

The voice belonged to Xu Rong, the Emperor’s most trusted aide.

The Emperor sat up immediately, his brows furrowed. "Enter!"

Xu Rong stepped inside, bowing low as he quickly spoke. "Your Majesty, we have received a report—an attack. The Crown Prince has been ambushed, and the place where he was honeymooning has been set ablaze."

The words hit the Emperor like a thunderclap.

"What did you just say?" he barked, swinging his legs off the bed and standing in one swift motion.

The Empress, now awake, looked at her husband with wide eyes. "The Crown Prince? What happened?"

Xu Rong hesitated, then continued, "A messenger has arrived with news that the Crown Prince and the Seventh Consort were attacked by an unknown group. The chamber where they were staying has been burned to the ground."

The Emperor’s face darkened, his expression one of pure fury and concern. "Are they safe? Is my son safe?"

"We are still awaiting confirmation, Your Majesty," Xu Rong admitted, his voice trembling.

The Emperor’s fists clenched tightly at his sides. "Unacceptable! Assemble the generals and ministers immediately!"

Xu Rong nodded and rushed out, shouting orders as he went.

The Empress reached out to her husband, her voice trembling. "What about Hua Jing? The Seventh Consort? What of her?"

The Emperor paused, his gaze softening slightly as he turned to his wife. "I will find out everything. But for now, rest assured—I will not allow harm to befall my family."

He pulled a thick cloak around himself, barely bothering to tie it properly as he stormed out of the chamber.

The imperial court was already alive with activity, senior officials and military commanders pouring into the war chamber.

When the Emperor entered, all conversations ceased, and the room fell into an uneasy silence.

"Speak!" the Emperor demanded, his voice echoing through the chamber.

General Feng, a seasoned warrior with silver streaks in his hair, stepped forward and bowed deeply. "Your Majesty, the messenger reported that the Crown Prince and the Seventh Consort managed to escape the flames. However, their current whereabouts remain unknown."

The Emperor’s eyes narrowed dangerously. "How is this possible? Zhao Yan is the Crown Prince of this empire! How could such an attack take place without prior warning?"

Another official spoke hesitantly. "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince’s location was meant to be a secret. Only a select few knew of it."

The Emperor’s gaze turned icy, his voice lowering to a menacing tone. "Then we must consider the possibility of betrayal."

A murmur rippled through the room.

General Feng nodded gravely. "It seems likely, Your Majesty. No outside force could have discovered such a well-guarded secret without help from within."

The Emperor’s jaw tightened, his voice cold and resolute. "I want a full investigation. Question everyone who had knowledge of the Crown Prince’s location. No stone is to be left unturned!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" the generals and ministers echoed in unison.

The Emperor turned to Xu Rong. "Dispatch more scouts immediately. I want my son found. And when he is, I want every detail of this attack reported to me without delay."

Xu Rong bowed deeply. "It will be done, Your Majesty."

The Emperor’s gaze swept over the room, his expression one of fierce fury. "If anyone thinks they can harm my son and go unpunished, they are sorely mistaken. Whoever is behind this will pay with their lives!"

....

The chaos in the imperial palace was palpable. Soldiers hurriedly donned their armor, messengers sprinted from one end of the palace to the other, and the usually serene halls echoed with orders and hurried footsteps. The tension in the air was suffocating, and it was clear that the Emperor’s decree was not to be taken lightly.

At the far end of the palace, where the consorts resided in their private courtyards, the commotion finally reached the Second Consort’s chambers. A loud, insistent knock broke the stillness of the night, startling the maid on duty.

"Who dares disturb the Second Consort at such an hour?" the maid snapped, moving to the door.

On the other side stood a soldier, his battle armor gleaming faintly under the moonlight, his expression grave. "I carry a message from His Majesty," he said firmly.

The maid hesitated but eventually opened the door fully, allowing the soldier to step inside. Moments later, the Second Consort emerged, her silk robes hastily thrown on, and her hair slightly disheveled. She looked every bit as regal as she could, despite being dragged from her slumber.

"What is it?" she demanded, her tone sharp as her piercing gaze landed on the soldier. "What message does His Majesty send at this ungodly hour?"

The soldier bowed deeply. "The Emperor has ordered an immediate inspection of all officials and palace residents, including the consorts. This is in light of the Crown Prince’s ambush and the destruction of his residence."

The Second Consort froze, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Ambushed? Zhao Yan? What are you saying?"

The soldier straightened, his expression unreadable. "The Crown Prince’s location was attacked, and the place has been burned to the ground. His Majesty has declared this a matter of utmost urgency. That is all I am permitted to say."

The Second Consort’s breath hitched as her mind raced. She waved her hand dismissively, and the soldier bowed again before retreating. The maid, still standing by the door, exchanged a worried glance with her mistress.

"Could this be true?" the Second Consort murmured, pacing the room.

Her heart was pounding as thoughts swirled in her mind. "Zhao Yan... attacked? Who would dare? And why now?"

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