Chapter 977: Chapter 977: Self-Comfort_1 Chapter 977: Chapter 977: Self-Comfort_1 The Empress hadn’t anticipated that her questions would be prickly and direct.

She fell silent for a moment before saying, “The Emperor is growing old, and after experiencing the tragic death of Concubine Jin, has become weaker. He only seeks something to cling to. There’s nothing wrong with cultivating his spirituality.”

“Spiritual cultivation is one thing, but what about him consuming the Immortal Pills? Do you know such things are deadly?”

Concubine Yu was taken aback, “What, the Emperor has been consuming the Immortal Pills? Where did they come from?”

This was the first time she heard about this matter.

Yun Dai gestured towards the Empress, “Ask Her Highness, the Empress.”

“Why would you, the Empress, be so malicious to harm the Emperor?” The gaze Concubine Yu cast at the Empress was practically fiery.

“How preposterous!” sneered the Empress, “I have been married to the Emperor for decades. How could our bond ever be compared to you lot? I owe my position to the Emperor. Now, why don’t you tell me, why would I harm the Emperor? What would I gain from it?”

Concubine Yu instinctively looked at Jiang Ning.

Indeed, she could not think of any reason why the Empress would harm the Emperor.

Wouldn’t a murder require a motive?

Jiang Ning calmly answered, “The Empress indeed has a motive.”

“What is it?” Concubine Yu pursued.

“For her own and her family’s sake.”

“Huh?” Concubine Yu seemed to understand and yet she seemed not to.

The Emperor was fond of the Empress. As long as the Emperor was alive and well, the Empress and her family would remain invincible.

So why would she harm the Emperor?

Gufeng brought over a chair, Jiang Ning sat down before speaking, “Her Highness, the Empress, is indeed a dutiful daughter who has spared no effort for her family.”

The Empress’s expression shifted slightly, “Princess Consort, how audacious!”

Jiang Ning continued, “Empress, do you truly not realize that consuming too many Immortal Pills is harmful to one’s health?”

“Who said these pills are harmful! They are made from the most precious herbs and greatly beneficial to one’s health!” the Empress argued hoarsely, “What do you all know? Hasn’t his majesty’s health evidently improved in the past two years? If it were not for these pills, he would have already…”

Concubine Yu approached swiftly, “Why has the Emperor taken such a turn?”

“Heh, Concubine Yu, it seems like it has been a long time since you’ve been to his royal bedchamber.”

“Speak!” Ignoring her mocking tone, Concubine Yu hastily queried.

“You think, given the Emperor’s age, how would he be able to pleasure those new concubines night after night?” the Empress smirked, “Since the birth of the Sixth Imperial Prince, have you attended in his bedchamber? Do you know of the Emperor’s health condition?”

Concubine Yu had no reply, and after a long pause, she said, “If the Immortal Pills truly benefit one’s health, why don’t you use them?”

Jiang Ning spoke up, “Concubine Yu, don’t let her words mislead you. All the Empress has been saying are merely excuses to justify her harm to the Emperor.”

“I didn’t harm the Emperor!”

“I was wondering why the Emperor refused to punish you. Now I see, you’ve tricked him into practicing spirituality and using these Immortal Pills.” Jiang Ning continued to press, “Allow me to deduce this. Empress, you realized that the Emperor’s health was deteriorating. Fearing that once the Crown Prince ascends to the throne, you and your family will be doomed. So you took advantage of the Emperor’s longing for Concubine Jin and encouraged him to practice spirituality and consume the Immortal Pills…”

“What does the Emperor’s longing for Concubine Jin have to do with spirituality?”

“Your Highness, the Empress, you truly are a hard nut to crack.” Jiang Ning glanced at Gufeng, who nodded and motioned outside, “Bring the person in.”