Jin Moli glanced worriedly at Consort Wan, who was swaying on the verge of collapse, and stopped the Empress Dowager with a deeply furrowed brow.
The Empress Dowager was so furious she nearly keeled over. With an ashen face, she pointed at Consort Wan kneeling on the floor. "At a time like this, does the Emperor still intend to shield this vile woman who disregards court principles and knows nothing of propriety or shame?"
"Do you know what the censors' memorials will say about you tomorrow?"
"Do you know how the court officials will view you?"
"And how will you face the ancestors of the Jin Family? How will you face the entrustment your Imperial Father gave you with his dying breath? Do you still remember your Imperial Father's final instructions?"
"If the people of the Black Obsidian Nation learn that you delayed the morning court because of a woman, how will they view you? How could they willingly submit to you?"
Jin Moli rubbed his throbbing, aching temple. "Empress Dowager, I truly felt unwell when I woke this morning. Besides, hasn't the matter yet to be fully investigated?"
The Empress Dowager snorted coldly. "Fine. You want the truth, do you? Then I'll investigate it for you here and now, thoroughly and clearly."
When Su Qiao saw both their gazes fall upon her, she did not panic. Unhurriedly, she said, "Imperial Consort, Your Majesty, just ask me directly if you have something to say."
"You both know what kind of person Your Concubine is. Whether at home or in the palace, I have always spoken plainly and told the truth."
The Empress Dowager looked at her apologetically. "Qiao'er, this is a serious matter, so I won't beat around the bush."
"Please ask whatever you wish, Empress Dowager." Su Qiao looked