The Female Psychology PhD Who Time Traveled to the Royal Harem

Jiang Xinyue felt as though a heavy stone was lodged in her heart as she gazed at the lifeless form of Consort Liang lying on the bed. Her eyes reddened uncontrollably.

Seeing this, the Emperor wrapped his arm around her shoulders and summoned his personal physician, Chief Physician Hu. "Physician Hu, no matter how precious the medicinal ingredients, you must revive Consort Liang."

Within a single night, rumors spread throughout the palace, all claiming that the Empress, out of jealousy, had poisoned Consort Liang. The fact that the lingzhi mushroom had been a gift from Jiang Xinyue only added fuel to the fire. If Consort Liang could not be saved, Jiang Xinyue would bear this stain on her reputation for life.

The palace was not short of clever minds. If the Empress truly wanted to harm Consort Liang, there were countless other methods she could have employed. Why would she poison the very gift she had given, thereby drawing suspicion to herself?

However, the palace was also filled with those who reveled in the downfall of those in high positions. Though they knew full well that the Empress would never harm Consort Liang, they eagerly joined in the smear campaign.

Thus, the rumors grew more rampant, reaching a point where they seemed impossible to contain.

But they had underestimated both the Emperor and Jiang Xinyue. These two were not the type to let such slander go unchallenged.

On the very day Consort Liang fell into a coma from poisoning, the news was only whispered among the palace maids and eunuchs. By the next morning, those who had spread the rumors the most aggressively were arrested.

With so many servants suddenly missing from the various palaces, no one dared to gossip any further.

When the eldest princess returned to the palace three days later, she was devastated by the news. The Emperor allowed her and her son-in-law to stay in the palace until Consort Liang was out of danger.

At Shunan Palace—

Jiang Xinyue patted the eldest princess on the shoulder. "Since this matter involves me, and the mastermind behind it seeks to drag me down, I will ensure that you and your mother receive justice."

The eldest princess wiped away her tears, her eyes swollen and aching.

After a few sobs, she composed herself and said, "Auntie Jiang, I believe in you. I’m sure my mother does too. If you wanted to harm her, you wouldn’t resort to such crude methods. The person behind this is truly malicious, trying to drive a wedge between you and my mother, and also to make me resent you."

Even a fifteen-year-old girl could see through such a scheme, which spoke volumes about how poorly conceived it was.

Yet, it was still effective.

Although the Emperor and Jiang Xinyue had swiftly quashed the rumors, there were still those in the court who were well-informed.

The Jiang family had risen too quickly, and there were many who sought to suppress them.

During the morning court session, a censor from the Censorate had already impeached Jiang Xinyue, repeating the same old accusations—that she was jealous, petty, and unfit for her position. He urged the Emperor to depose Jiang Xinyue and appoint a more magnanimous consort as Empress.

As for who this "magnanimous" consort would be, that would be a matter of contention among the families after the Emperor deposed Jiang Xinyue.

Jiang Yankun had recently joined the Grand Secretariat and was being groomed by Master Jing as the next Chief Grand Secretary.

Master Jing had forbidden Jiang Yankun from using his sharp tongue and acerbic wit, as a Chief Grand Secretary must lead by virtue.

Master Jing glanced at the censor and asked, "So, Censor Yan, who do you think should be the next Empress?"

His gaze was so benevolent that Censor Yan turned to look at an official in the front row. "Your servant believes that Tong Xiuyuan and Shi Xiuyi are both suitable candidates. They have been in the palace since the Emperor ascended the throne over a decade ago. They have always been dutiful and never engaged in petty rivalries. In terms of seniority and character, they surpass the Empress. Moreover, the Tong family has a long history in the Ministry of Works. Tong Xiuyuan’s father oversaw major water conservancy projects last year, benefiting countless citizens. The Emperor should reward him. Shi Xiuyi is the eldest daughter of the Northern Border Army’s general, who has repeatedly distinguished himself on the battlefield. The Emperor must not let our veteran officials feel disheartened."

Furthermore, both Tong Xiuyuan and Shi Xiuyi were victims of Consort De’s murder case, which alone should warrant compensation from the Emperor.

The general of the Northern Border Army was stationed at the frontier and not present in the court, but officials friendly with the general’s family voiced their agreement.

As for Minister Tong from the Ministry of Works, he had always been at odds with Jiang Yankun, who had once called him a "dog" among other things. Minister Tong was delighted to see Jiang Xinyue in trouble.

However, he maintained a humble demeanor. "No, no, no. My daughter is a gentle soul who avoids conflict. She only wishes to live out her days peacefully in the palace. She is not ambitious."

Jiang Yankun wanted to curse!

What was he implying? That Tong Xiuyuan was gentle and unambitious, while his own daughter was domineering, competitive, and power-hungry?

Master Jing stopped the fuming Jiang Yankun with a raised hand, his smile unwavering. "Your Majesty, since Minister Tong has spoken, Tong Xiuyuan is no longer a candidate. Though Censor Yan’s intentions are good, we cannot force someone who does not wish to be Empress. As for Shi Xiuyi, if I recall correctly, she was injured by Consort De and can never bear children. Censor Yan, what exactly are you suggesting by nominating her as Empress?"

A person with such a physical defect could not be Empress, and someone who could never bear children could certainly not be the mother of the nation.

If Censor Yan had done this intentionally, the Emperor could charge him with a crime.

Jiang Yankun finally seized the opportunity, pointing two fingers at Censor Yan. "You treacherous old fox! You dare to scheme against the Emperor, trying to prevent him from having an heir. Are you a spy from a rival kingdom?"

Only a rival kingdom would not wish to see the Great Yan Dynasty prosper with heirs and a harmonious imperial couple.

If this accusation held, Censor Yan would not live to see another day.

He immediately prostrated himself on the ground. "Your Majesty, I am utterly loyal to you and the Great Yan Dynasty. I would devote my life to your service. I... I truly did not know... there’s also... there’s also Consort Shu, the daughter of Minister Jiang from the Ministry of Personnel. She is well-educated and has been in the palace longer than Tong Xiuyuan. She is also a suitable candidate..."

"No, no, no, no, no!"

Jiang Hewei’s eyes widened in panic, his lips trembling as he waved his hands frantically. "Don’t you dare spout such nonsense! My daughter, my entire family, we all fully support the Empress. Though she has not been in the palace for long, she has already given birth to the fourth and sixth princes, and she is now expecting another. According to the ancestral teachings of the late Emperor, the greatest duty of the imperial consorts is to ensure the royal lineage. The Empress is about to have three royal heirs. If she is not fit to be Empress, I don’t know who is."

He made his stance clear. "Consort Shu is neither clever nor diligent. The thought of her becoming Empress is terrifying. Please, Censor Yan, spare me this horror."

Good heavens!

What was going on?

Why was Consort Shu suddenly being nominated?

The title of Consort Shu was something the Empress had fought for on behalf of his daughter!

The Jiang family had no desire to oppose the Empress, and he certainly did not want to provoke Jiang Yankun, that sharp-tongued old fox.

He wanted to live a few more years.